6 Career Tips for Security Professionals from Oscar Arango

Whether you’re gearing up for your first day or ironing out strategy from the board room, a career in security is anything but static. The stakes are high, the pace is fast, and the challenges are constantly evolving. To thrive within the security space, you need more than just hard skills - you also need a mindset built for longevity, leadership, and growth.

To help security professionals, we sat down with Oscar Arango, Ex-VP of LP at Target and Current VP of Retail Strategy at Flock Safety, to get his top 6 pieces of advice and tips that he’d like to share with other security professionals. 

1. Always Stay Curious (It Keeps You Relevant)

Security isn’t just about reacting—it’s about anticipating. And anticipation starts with curiosity.

"Curiosity didn't kill the cat; it helps you stay ahead of the game. For an associate, that curiosity might catch the person hiding merchandise. For a leader, it's what drives you to anticipate the next global threat, adapt to new compliance laws, or explore AI's role in security. Stagnation is a risk at any level."

• Oscar Arango, Ex-VP of LP at Target and Current VP of Retail Strategy at Flock Safety

Staying curious means staying sharp. Read industry reports. Ask questions. Explore new technologies. From camera analytics to incident response software, the tools of the trade are evolving. Your willingness to evolve with them is what keeps you valuable.

2. Get a Mentor (And Eventually, Be One)

Security is a team sport, and no one becomes an expert in isolation.

"Early in your career, a mentor is your 'career sensei' who shows you the ropes. As a leader, your mentor might be a trusted peer in a C-suite roundtable who helps you navigate complex corporate challenges. The need for guidance from someone who’s 'been there' never goes away."

• Oscar Arango, Ex-VP of LP at Target and Current VP of Retail Strategy at Flock Safety

Whether you're learning the difference between deterrence and detection or navigating company-wide crisis response, having a mentor accelerates your growth. And one day, paying that mentorship forward strengthens the entire profession.

3. Own Your Role (And Your Mistakes)

In a field built on accountability and trust, taking ownership is non-negotiable.

"It means taking ownership of your responsibilities, your decisions, and yes, even your slip-ups. For an associate, it’s the integrity of your report or owning a missed detail on patrol. For an executive, it’s owning your team's failures as much as their victories. Passing the buck is the quickest way to lose respect; true pros own their turf, period."

• Oscar Arango, Ex-VP of LP at Target and Current VP of Retail Strategy at Flock Safety

Mistakes happen. What matters is how you respond. Taking responsibility builds credibility—and credibility is everything in security, whether you’re on the ground or leading from above.

4. Find Balance (Burnout Doesn’t Discriminate)

Security roles can be relentless. The risk of burnout is real—and it doesn’t care if you wear a uniform or a blazer.

"The pressure to always be 'on' is real, whether you're physically standing guard for hours or tethered to global email alerts 24/7. Step away from the screens and the stress. A drained battery is useless, whether it's in a radio or in a leader. Your best professional asset is a rested and clear mind."

• Oscar Arango, Ex-VP of LP at Target and Current VP of Retail Strategy at Flock Safety

Taking breaks, setting boundaries, and making time for personal restoration isn't weakness—it's wisdom. A sustainable career is built on energy management, not just time management.

5. Build Your Network (Your Lifeline at Every Level) 

Success in security isn’t just about what you know—it’s also about who you know.

"For an hourly associate, it might be colleagues at a local industry meetup. For an executive, it’s the connections made at a national conference. These are the people you call for advice, a new opportunity, or just a reality check from someone who gets it."

• Oscar Arango, Ex-VP of LP at Target and Current VP of Retail Strategy at Flock Safety

Networking isn’t transactional; it’s transformational. Make the effort to connect with professionals outside your organization. Your future career move, collaboration opportunity, or industry insight may come from a casual conversation at a trade event or LinkedIn exchange.

6. Have Fun (The Mission Should Be Enjoyable)

Yes, security is serious business. But if you can’t enjoy the journey, what’s the point?

"You have a front-row seat to a fascinating world. Find the joy. As a new team member, you might laugh at the daily absurdities on the floor. As a director, you'll find satisfaction in watching your team grow and celebrating the successful launch of a major strategic initiative you led. The mission is serious, but you can—and should—enjoy the ride."

• Oscar Arango, Ex-VP of LP at Target and Current VP of Retail Strategy at Flock Safety

Embrace the camaraderie, celebrate your wins, and take pride in your impact. Every shift, every incident, every challenge you overcome is a reminder that your work matters.

Final Thoughts

A successful security career isn’t built overnight—and it doesn’t follow a single path. But with curiosity, accountability, mentorship, balance, community, and a sense of joy, you can build a career that not only protects others but empowers you to grow into the kind of professional the industry needs.

Whether you're a seasoned security leader or just getting started, keep these six principles close—and let them guide your journey.

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