One of the most exciting and dangerous positions in the security industry is a personal bodyguard. It’s exciting because you get to work with famous athletes, celebrities, entertainers, politicians, executives and other important people.

It can be dangerous because you must protect your client, and we all know how crazy people can be regarding famous and high-net-worth people. So, let’s dive into how to become a bodyguard, what they do and everything else you need to know about this career.

WHAT DO BODYGUARDS DO?

Bodyguards work as part of a close protection team that includes professional drivers, security managers and other close protection officers (CPOs). You may also hear them referred to as a close protection operative.

CPOs protect their clients and develop strategies to keep them safe in a variety of environments. Some tasks may include:

• Research and planning to identify possible threats and risky situations
• Protect clients from possible threats such as terrorists, stalkers, political opponents, criminals, over-enthusiastic fans, etc.
• Check locations before their client arrives
• Drive clients to and from work, home, venues, etc.
• Travel with clients on vacations and social events
• Constantly remain alert to possible threats, disruptions and danger
• Work in low- and high-risk places ranging from homes to public places

SKILLS AND TRAITS THAT MAKE SOMEONE A GOOD BODYGUARD

There are certain skills and traits of a good bodyguard, such as:

• Strength
• Common sense
• Physical health
• Good judgment
• The right demeanor
• Intelligence
• Positive attitude
• Initiative
• A healthy appearance
• Team player
• Detail-oriented
• Ability to work well alone
• Formal training in protection
• Adaptability
• Good communication skills
• Flexibility
• Situational awareness

Let’s look at some of these skills and traits in more depth.

ADAPTABILITY AND FLEXIBILITY

You’ll likely work in a variety of environments. In some places, you need to blend into the crowd, and for others, you’ll need to stand out as a security professional.

The environments you work in are dynamic, so you need to be flexible. There may be somewhat of a routine, but it can change at any time.

COMMON SENSE

Many people place too much importance on formal knowledge. Formal knowledge is great to have, but common sense is necessary. With common sense, you can make practical decisions and foresee the consequences of actions you take.

Being practical and having sound judgment are essential qualities in a bodyguard.

BE A TEAM PLAYER

Good team members work as a cohesive unit. That’s what makes a great team. You can’t play the lone wolf all the time. While being able to work alone is great, sometimes it can make it harder to work collaboratively with other people.

Being a team player and working alone also go along with flexibility and adaptability. Your work schedule and team may change with only a moment’s notice.

SITUATIONAL AWARENESS

This is a critical skill to develop. As a bodyguard, you always need to be aware of what is going on around you. You need to be able to detect possible danger by processing what goes on around your client.

For instance, if three men are walking up to you with long coats on during the summer, you might have a problem. They could be hiding rifles under their coats. Situational awareness is critical for your client’s safety.

All these traits and skills combine to make you a powerful protector for your client. They’ll make you an invaluable asset to any security team.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION NEEDED TO BE A BODYGUARD

There are some basic minimum qualifications that security agencies and private clients look for in bodyguards.

You’ll at least need a high school degree or GED, and some places may require some college education. The best college majors for bodyguards are security-related, like criminal justice, personal security, public safety and others. Helpful classes include security strategies, risk assessment and emergency services, just to name a few.

Most require you to be at least 18, and some may only hire people 21 and older. You must pass a background check and will more than likely need to complete first aid training. You’ll need a driver’s license as well because even though you may not be hired as a driver, you will likely need to drive your client places at some point.

PHYSICAL FITNESS

Often, you’ll have to pass a physical fitness test and you need to look professional, not frumpy and unkempt. Physical fitness is important because of the demanding duties you’ll perform. Stamina and endurance are critical as you may need to run, kneel, jump or climb while doing multiple activities. The good thing is that each day is different.

FORMAL SECURITY TRAINING

You may be required to have some type of formal security or bodyguard training program, or some security agencies put you through training. You’ll need a security license. Licensing depends on your state or location.

The formal training is really important because you’ll learn what to do in real-life scenarios. Training helps you with your natural instincts, as well. When there is a lot of stress involved, instincts play a huge role in how you react. How you react also depends on life experience and training.

In many instances, training is more valuable than a college education. Training can help you make up for lack of previous experience if it’s comprehensive and on-going.

Firearms training is also important because you will carry a gun at some point, but only do so when it is legal. If you carry a firearm, you need to know how to use it–and that means doing more than just shooting a few qualification rounds.

Training in the police academy is helpful because officers practice many possible scenarios that could happen. The same goes for bodyguard and weapons training.

Most employers will want you to have knowledge of the industry you want to work in and any certifications or training related to that. You may also need to speak a foreign language, depending on the position you’re applying for and the locations you’ll be working.

Many times, people with former military and law enforcement experience will receive preference because of their training and background. And, sometimes, a more mature person may be chosen over someone young and new because of life experience.

You may want other training like martial arts, defensive tactics, yoga or other similar skills. Having a specific skill set is why many security agencies and clients prefer people with prior law enforcement and military experience.

BENEFITS OF WORKING AS A BODYGUARD

There are many benefits to working as a bodyguard, which is why it’s such a popular profession.

1. YOU GET TO TRAVEL TO MANY EXCITING PLACES AND EXPERIENCE LUXURY

Depending on who you work for, you will probably get to travel to exciting new places all over the world. You’ll get to experience new cultures, food and fun because even bodyguards get time off. Plus, you’ll get to stay in luxurious places, where your client stays, in case you’re needed should a serious incident arise.

You’ll go to places you likely never would have if you weren’t a bodyguard. The places where celebrities, athletes and executives stay are often exotic and luxurious. You get to eat the best food and experience amazing vacations, even if it’s while you work.

2. MEET NEW PEOPLE

While being a bodyguard, you’re going to meet a variety of new people, including other celebrities and bodyguards. Meeting new people is probably one of the best benefits of being a bodyguard to high-profile clients.

3. EXPLORE NEW CULTURES AND PLACES

As previously mentioned, you’ll get time off like any other job because most clients have security teams. Take in the sights, eat new food, relax and have fun. Traveling to new places and meeting other people enriches your life in ways nothing else can.

4. MORE OPPORTUNITIES BOTH PROFESSIONALLY AND PERSONALLY

As a bodyguard for the stars and other important people, you’ll get more opportunities than the average person would. Just one phone call or letter can give you many privileges and perks. Maybe you want tickets to an event that’s hard to get in or access to an exclusive expensive workout class or relaxing retreat.

If your client really values you, then you may get a letter of recommendation for another job or something you want to get done. Just make sure not to abuse these perks.

5. LEARN NEW SKILLS

Along the way, you’ll likely get new, advanced training to sharpen your skills. You’ll probably perform a variety of tasks and play many roles while doing your job. The skills you learn will help you do a better job, and you might start your own school to teach other bodyguards one day. You may even want to write a book about your adventures–or you may become a supervisor or transfer to a different job in the future.