Exclusive: Security from around the world – Part 12

In the twelfth instalment of the series, Matthew Porcelli, CPP catches up with Meshal Aljohani of the ASIS International Dhahran Chapter who shares personal, regional insights and expertise for success for young security professionals in the Dhahran security sector.

Meshal Aljohani, CPP, PSP, PCI – ASIS Dhahran Chapter Member and ASIS Triple Crown Certificant:

I started my career in the security industry in 2007 and during the several years, I met many experienced security professionals who inspired and motivated me to work hard to achieve new goals.

In 2016, I joined ASIS International as a member in Dhahran Chapter. It was a fantastic opportunity for me to engage with ASIS members and be inspired by these security professionals. It also provided me with an overview of ASIS activities and the potential benefits of joining such events.

Based on my growing interest in the security profession, I met with an ASIS member and certified coach in July 2021, who motivated me by highlighting the importance of obtaining ASIS certification in the security industry.

After that discussion, I demonstrated my desire to succeed in the security field by becoming more active with ASIS, asking questions and seeking guidance to study for ASIS certifications.

Throughout my journey for the ASIS International Triple Crown, I spoke with colleagues who had passed ASIS exams and asked about their preparation strategies. I also found colleagues who were studying for the same exam as I was and we had active conversations about our study strategy, lessons learned and motivation to keep studying and reading.

On 25 October 2021, I started self-study for the hardest security certification for me – Certified Protection Professional (CPP) – and passed the exam on the first attempt on 10 January 2022.

After earning the CPP, I wanted to continue and studied for the Professional Certified Investigator (PCI) exam, which is an exciting subject in the investigation field and is vital to Professional investigators, which I also passed on 28 February 2022.

I chose to pursue the ASIS International Triple Crown and started preparing and studying for the Physical Security Professional (PSP) exam, which I passed on 12 June 2022.

Being certified elevated my level of knowledge and professional maturity since a learning process expanded my knowledge base and strengthened various domains that I had not previously mastered.

I am always willing to share my experience and knowledge to support others in achieving ASIS certifications.

The membership community has most significantly influenced my professional growth by opening the door and connecting me to the world of security thought leadership. Members of ASIS Connects can join subject area communities, participate in online discussions, volunteer in the community and participate in mentoring programs.

I volunteered to work with ASIS as a mentor and ASIS Connect Ambassador and I was appointed to the professional development community steering committee effective 1 January 2023.

It was a pleasure to attend ASIS Middle East Conference & Exhibition 2022, which was conducted for the first time in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at the Dhahran Expo from 14-17 November 2022. This year’s event attracted over 5,000 delegates and exhibition visitors, 55 exhibiting companies and 73 speakers.

As a young professional security officer, it is essential that you comply to your guidelines and remain proactive by constantly seeking new connections. Also, keep updated on the latest information and certifications in your field. I suggest having a mentor who can guide you through it all and you can take advantage of the ASIS Mentoring Program. Look for someone who will share their security experience and passion for the broad world of security.