How to turn a part-time, seasonal job into a full-time, permanent security career?

I built Amazon’s Loss Prevention program from the ground up, and here’s what separated the seasonal hires who became permanent from those who didn’t: they learned to see patterns in data that others missed.

My specific tip: Start mapping theft trends and present solutions, not just problems. When I was training teams, the guards who tracked “we had 5 thefts in electronics between 2-4pm on Tuesdays” and suggested schedule adjustments got promoted. The ones who just wrote “caught a shoplifter today” stayed seasonal. I’ve seen this transform careers in every branch of the military and 4,000+ organizations we’ve trained.

Document your pattern observations in a simple spreadsheet — time of day, location, type of incident, weather conditions, whatever factors you notice. After 30 days, bring it to your supervisor with one actionable recommendation. When you show you’re thinking strategically about prevention instead of just reacting to incidents, you become someone they build a department around.

The companies that trust us to certify their people aren’t looking for warm bodies at posts — they’re desperate for problem-solvers who can think three steps ahead. That’s the difference between a job and a career.

I’ve been in cybersecurity since founding my company in 2008, and I’ve hired dozens of people who started in entry-level IT roles. Here’s what separates the ones who advance: they ask to be put on the scary projects nobody else wants.

When ransomware hits or a phishing attack succeeds, most people hide. The ones I promote are the ones who volunteer to document what happened, write up the incident report, and present it at the next team meeting. One of our now-senior techs started as a summer help desk person, but when a client got hit with a breach, he spent his own time creating a step-by-step recovery checklist we still use today.

Security careers explode when you make yourself the person who turns disasters into training materials. Every company has breaches they’re embarrassed about — be the one who says “let me turn this into something that prevents the next one.” Management remembers who solves problems when they’re panicking at 2am, not who shows up on time during the easy shifts.

A seasonal or part-time job might not seem like a launchpad for long-term success — but for many in the security industry, it’s exactly where the journey begins. Whether you’re monitoring events over the summer or filling in for holiday shifts, these short-term roles can lead to full-time, permanent positions if approached strategically. The key? Don’t treat the job as temporary — treat it like an audition for your future.

Security employers often use part-time and seasonal roles to evaluate more than just performance — they’re looking for reliability, situational awareness, and the willingness to go beyond the minimum. One specific tip: show up like a full-time professional, even if you’re not one yet. That means being early for every shift, asking questions about procedures, and learning the broader context of your assignment. Go beyond the checklist — demonstrate initiative.

Ask yourself: what are the full-timers doing that I can start modeling now? Are there courses or licenses I can complete early (such as first aid, use-of-force certification, or WHMIS training)? Expressing interest in additional training — even while still seasonal — signals long-term commitment. Most importantly, make it easy for supervisors to picture you on the team permanently.

Take Brandon, a 24-year-old from Calgary who joined a local mall’s security team during the winter rush. He quickly learned everyone’s name, volunteered for tougher evening shifts, and asked his supervisor if he could shadow someone during emergency drills. When spring came and the team had one opening, he was the first call. “You already act like a full-timer,” they told him. That single seasonal job turned into a stable role with benefits and a promotion pathway.

According to a 2023 Canadian Security industry survey, nearly 40% of current full-time security guards began in part-time or temporary roles. Of those, over 70% said proactive communication with supervisors — expressing interest in career development and asking for mentorship — was key to their transition.

Part-time and seasonal jobs in security aren’t just stopgaps — they’re stepping stones. If you show up with professionalism, initiative, and a growth mindset, you’ll stand out in an industry that values reliability and readiness. Your future employer may already be watching — so act like the permanent hire you want to become. That mindset shift could be your biggest career move yet.

If you’re working a part-time security job, get certified in something like CompTIA Security+ and use those skills at work. When people started updating our protocols with what they were learning, their value became obvious. Making yourself essential is pretty simple: take new knowledge and apply it directly to solving a real problem at work.

Always try to be the person who spots problems before they happen, not just after.

While working part-time in security, all supervisors look for individuals with an admirable level of dedication. Avoid standing idle or being glued to your phone; instead, focus on the safety of the people around you.

Identify anything out of the ordinary. Look for doors that are left open, check the cameras, and keep your eyes peeled. Everyone must be treated with utmost respect and professionalism at all times.

Your responsibilities each shift include the following:

1. You are required to walk your entire area at least once per hour, even if your post order says otherwise. Take note of anything out of the ordinary — doors that are unlocked, lights that are broken, or people that appear to be loitering.

2. Report any and all out-of-the-ordinary activities and include even the smallest details. Documenting thoroughly shows regard for the job and professionalism.

3. Try to learn the names of all the other security staff, managers, regular employees and even frequent customers. Recognizing unfamiliar people is easier if you know the regulars.

4. Ask your supervisor about various security systems, cameras, and procedures, and ask for training. This shows self-motivation and a willingness to learn.

5. Always maintain your calm. The staff will remember the security personnel who managed to stay calm in the face of an emergency.

Remember instances when you efficiently managed tasks, such as, “Noticed a door propped open that should’ve been locked,” or, “Helped a lost visitor find their way safely.” After a few months, you will have proof you’re reliable.

Before your seasonal job ends, tell your supervisor: “I really enjoy this security work and want to make it my career. Are there any full-time positions opening up? I am also willing to get additional certificates if that helps.”

Remember, security companies always need people they can trust to stay alert and protect others.

Establishing credibility is crucial to making a seasonal security role a full-time career path. I’ve watched technology-savvy security personnel quickly forward their careers by documenting and sharing their skills online. Highlight your digital profile with your certifications, training, and your results, like preventing an incident or maintaining system uptime. Ask your supervisors for a written recommendation, recognizing that you have completed training as well as any safety milestones. Security employers both want you to be reliable and traceable, and they also want your training or certification to be verifiable by another employer.

When you demonstrate a consistent level of success, you go from a contractor for a season or short-term event to an uncommon trusted employee. Your credibility is your strongest credential — build it, document it, and make it visible online.