What happened? - Successful networking in the security industry
On 08 May 2026, the third SiMa Practice Day was held at the Berlin School of Economics and Law (HWR Berlin) under the motto "Security meets students". Around 150 participants came together at the Department of Police and Security Management, including students, alumni and representatives from companies and public authorities. The event served as a forum for exchange on current developments in the security industry and gave students valuable insights into professional life.
Prof. Dr. Harald Olschok, honorary professor and initiator of the practice-oriented format, hosted the event and used the opportunity to mark the 20th anniversary of the bachelor's degree programme in Security Management. Since 2006, almost 1,000 students have been successfully supported on their way into the industry.
The details - Course offerings and practical insights
In short presentations, Prof. Dr. Carolyn Tomerius, Prof. Dr. Jan Roggenkamp, Prof. Dr. Christoph Kopke, Prof. Dr. Vincenz Leuschner and Prof. Dr. Anna Daun introduced the department's various security degree programmes. In addition, the new BPS certificate programme "Corporate Security" was presented. The ProfKarriere project was represented by Danijela Jelen, providing information on teaching opportunities in the industry.
The practical insights from company and public authority representatives covered a broad spectrum and included the following areas:
- Aviation security
- Corporate protection and consulting
- Cybersecurity and compliance
- Physical security
- Innovative solutions using drone technology
- Automated security
- Human resources development in the security industry
During the breaks, students made intensive use of the opportunity for direct exchange at the information stands of the various representatives from business and public authorities.
Context - Current challenges facing the industry
In his welcoming address, Prof. Dr. Olschok highlighted current security policy challenges, particularly in the field of critical infrastructure. He pointed to the importance of new legal frameworks such as the KRITIS umbrella act, which places new requirements on the security industry.
With its expertise, the Department of Police and Security Management at HWR Berlin positions itself as a leading training institution nationwide. The dean's office, headed by Prof. Dr. Anna Daun and Prof. Dr. Vincenz Leuschner, works continuously to strengthen links with industry and to deepen the practical relevance of the training.
The variety of practical examples presented underlines both the breadth of the professional field and the growing need for creative, well-trained specialists in the security industry. This is particularly relevant against the backdrop of the general skills shortage and the increasing complexity of security tasks.
Practical tips - Career opportunities in the security industry
The event yielded important insights for aspiring professionals in the security sector:
The range of career options extends from traditional areas such as physical security through to highly specialised fields such as cybersecurity and compliance. Innovative technologies such as drone technology and automated security solutions in particular offer new fields of activity for technically minded professionals.
Direct contact with industry practitioners, as facilitated at the SiMa Practice Day, is invaluable for students. Events of this kind provide the opportunity to establish contacts early on and to gain a realistic insight into the various fields of activity.
Developments in the field of critical infrastructure show that sound knowledge of legal frameworks and compliance requirements is becoming increasingly important. Professionals should therefore acquire not only technical know-how but also keep regulatory aspects in view.
Outlook - Alumni network and industry development
At the close of the event, Prof. Dr. Olschok announced plans to establish an alumni project. In future, this is intended to enable structured networking between current and former students and to promote the transfer of knowledge between generations.
The continuous further development of the degree programmes and their close integration with practice position HWR Berlin as an important training partner for the security industry. With almost 1,000 graduates since 2006, the university has already made a considerable contribution to developing skilled professionals in the sector.
The response to the third SiMa Practice Day shows the strong interest of both students and employers in qualified new talent. Given the growing importance of security issues in all areas of business and society, demand for events of this kind can be expected to grow even further.
The combination of academic education and practical experience, as practised at the SiMa Practice Day, is likely to become a model for other universities and educational institutions that also wish to train professionals for the security industry.
