Bodyguard

Job Description:

Bodyguards protect individuals or groups from the risk of violence, kidnapping and other harmful situations.

Job Category:

Aerospace & Defence

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What you will do:

In your day-to-day tasks you could:

protect clients from threats like terrorism, political opponents, stalkers or over-enthusiastic fans
check out and secure premises before clients arrive
identify suspicious behaviour or unauthorised people
prevent potential threats or disruption
stay constantly alert to react to threatening situations
accompany clients on business and social visits
drive clients to and from venues

Skills:

You’ll need:

knowledge of public safety and security
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

As well as:

patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
concentration skills
leadership skills
physical fitness and endurance
to be thorough and pay attention to detail (organisational skills)
the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure

Illustration of employee looking at workspace

Entry Requirements:

Becoming a Bodyguard typically requires a combination of specific training, experience, and physical fitness rather than specific qualifications. However, certain skills and subjects can be helpful in preparing for a career in security and protection. Here are some subjects and skills that can be beneficial:

Physical Education (PE): Physical fitness is crucial for bodyguards. PE courses can help you build strength, endurance, and overall physical fitness.
Self-Defence and Martial Arts (Optional): While not a strict requirement, knowledge of self-defence techniques or martial arts can be valuable for personal protection roles.
First Aid and CPR (Optional): Basic knowledge of first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can be useful in emergency situations.

Post School

You can get into this career by:

a college course
applying directly

College

In the UK, for example, you could do a Certificate for Working as a Close Protection Operative.

Direct Application

You can apply to an organisation directly to work as a bodyguard or go through a recruitment agency specialising in security work.

If you’ve previously done older security qualifications, check whether they are still acceptable. If you need additional training you can find an approved training provider.

Career tips

Many people enter this career after working in the police or the armed forces.

It may be useful if you can speak more than one language for certain jobs, for example diplomatic work.

Working Hours and Environment:

A typical week consists of 37-51 hours of work. You could be required to work evenings/weekends/bank holidays away from home.

You could work at a client’s business or at a client’s home. Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time and you may spend nights away from home. You may need to wear a uniform.

Career Path & Progression:

With experience, you could specialise in surveillance, driving or residential security, or move into risk assessment consultancy work.