Top 10 Under 40: Aaron Ramhit, Manager, risk prevention & physical security, Scotiabank

What do you enjoy most about security?

Physical security is a rapidly evolving and growing industry with continuous learning opportunities and exposure to many verticals. In my current role, I have the unique opportunity to dabble in all things asset protection, travel and event risk management, and employee preparedness programs globally. This allows me to play a key role in contributing to the organization’s overall risk mitigation strategy. Working alongside an incredible physical security team at the bank offers a challenging yet highly rewarding experience. The industry is always forward-thinking and willing to share their experiences with young professionals. Many coffee chats over the years, getting in-depth industry knowledge, benchmarking and learning about new trends, has provided me with invaluable experiences.

Is there one piece of advice you have received that has helped you engage with your security role more effectively?

Throughout my time in the industry, I have been lucky to build lasting relationships with colleagues and many industry professionals. Learning about their experiences, pitfalls and successes has been a pivotal guiding factor in helping me navigate the industry. One key piece of advice is to never stop learning. This doesn’t mean solely focus on broadening your physical security knowledge (which you should always do) but expanding to other areas and looking for cross functional skills and learning opportunities in complementary areas. Learning doesn’t always have to be formal; informal learning through your manager or colleagues is key to growth.

What do you do outside of your job that helps you manage stress or gain perspective on your work?

Maintaining an optimal work-life balance is a huge goal of mine as I progress throughout my career. Being able to shut off work and not worry about emails and projects aids immensely in managing stress. Engaging in physical activity like running, swimming, hiking and regular exercise also help clear my mind for a fresh perspective the next day. I’ve recently taken up rock climbing as another outlet, although the soreness the next day is never fun. Travelling is another big part of my life for both relaxation and gaining different perspectives.

Do you have any advice for budding security professionals who are interested in launching a career?

I can’t stress this enough: never stop networking and never stop learning. Networking has been instrumental in my career for bouncing ideas off others, learning how they navigate their career, industry benchmarking, and putting a face to a name when you’re applying to jobs. The best decision I made was joining the local ASIS Toronto chapter, going to their social events and joining the Education and DE&I committees. I strongly encourage any professional to take part in mentorship programs, reach out on LinkedIn and setup coffee chats, get involved with local security chapters, and attend association events and conferences. While networking can be daunting at first, it just takes one event and one connection to build a bridge between you and the industry.