Mission Protectas : Sofia

Who are you in a few words?

My name is Sofia, I’m 36 years old, and I’m originally from Lyon.

What motivated you to work at Protectas?

What attracted me to Protectas was the commitment to innovation in security, the company culture focused on collaboration and excellence, and the professional growth opportunities.

Can you tell us a bit about your beginnings at Protectas?

I started my career in security 6 years ago at Geneva Airport as an officer. There, I gained valuable experience in security management and customer service.

Later, I joined the Security Operations Centre (SOC), where I developed technical skills in monitoring and incident management.

For the past year, I have been working as a receptionist, which allows me to combine my communication and organisational skills to provide quality service to visitors and colleagues.

What are you currently responsible for?

I handle customer calls, manage access control to our premises, and oversee the start and end of shifts for our agents at various sites. These responsibilities allow me to ensure effective communication, maintain security, and coordinate daily operations smoothly.

What is your biggest challenge and how do you handle it?

It’s not always easy to efficiently manage the constant flow of calls and requests. To handle this, I prioritise tasks by “urgent vs. important” and maintain clear communication with our clients and security agents. This helps me stay organised and ensure that each request is handled quickly and efficiently.

Which value resonates with you the most and why? (Integrity, vigilance, helpfulness)

Integrity. It’s fundamental in my role as it ensures trust and reliability in all my interactions, whether with clients, colleagues, or visitors. By maintaining honest and transparent conduct, I help create a respectful and professional work environment, which is essential for the smooth operation and reputation of the company.

What are your thoughts on working as a woman in your profession?

Working as a woman in the security sector presents challenges, but it’s also an opportunity to show that skills and determination go beyond gender. Diversity in this field brings varied and enriching perspectives. I particularly appreciate the opportunity to contribute to an inclusive work environment and to demonstrate that women can excel in roles traditionally dominated by men. This inspires me to encourage other women to join and succeed in this sector.

What advice would you give to women who want to work in the security sector?

I would advise them to believe in their skills and not hesitate to assert themselves. Self-confidence is essential. Seek out opportunities for continuous training to strengthen your technical and management skills. Surround yourself with mentors and colleagues who support you, and don’t be afraid to take initiative. Proactivity is a skill that gets noticed quickly! Your unique perspective is valuable and can bring innovations and improvements to the security field.