Vanina Aleksandrova

Location: Strasbourg, France
Years with Securitas: 7
My current role: Site Manager
Topic studied and where: Integrated security solutions, critical infrastructure protection, electronic security systems, cyber-physical security, threat management and emerging technologies. London and Milton Keynes, United Kingdom.

Interview with Vanina

Why did you apply for the scholarship?

I applied for this scholarship because I believe it represents a unique opportunity to further develop my professional skills and broaden my understanding of the security industry through international exposure and knowledge sharing.

The scholarship programme offers the opportunity to learn from different perspectives, discover innovative approaches and exchange best practices with professionals from other countries and backgrounds.

Beyond my personal development, I saw this programme as an opportunity to bring added value to Securitas France. The knowledge and experience gained will enable me to contribute more effectively to our organisation's objectives, support the development of innovative security solutions and share valuable insights with colleagues and management.

What did you learn/gain from the study visit?

The study trip provided me with valuable insights into several areas of the Securitas business that were previously unfamiliar to me and significantly broadened my understanding of integrated security solutions.

One of the most enriching aspects of the programme was learning about how intelligence, risk monitoring and strategic analysis support security operations and decision-making for clients.

I also gained a greater understanding of how electronic security solutions are designed and implemented, and how technology can be integrated into comprehensive security strategies for customers.

Spending time with colleagues in the UK was equally valuable, as it allowed me to compare operational practices, organisational structures and ways of working with those in my home country. These exchanges provided useful perspectives on how different markets address similar challenges while maintaining the same commitment to service excellence.

Finally, visiting client data centres gave me the opportunity to observe our teams operating in highly sensitive environments and better understand how security services are delivered on site. Seeing these operations firsthand strengthened my appreciation of the professionalism, expertise and adaptability required to meet client expectations in critical infrastructure environments.

Overall, the study trip expanded my knowledge of Securitas' wider capabilities, enhanced my understanding of integrated security solutions and provided valuable perspectives that I can apply in my current role and share with colleagues.

How will you share this knowledge/experience with your organization?

I intend to share the knowledge gained during the study trip by preparing a concise summary report outlining the key insights and best practices observed during the programme.

This report will be shared with my local management and colleagues to promote knowledge sharing, encourage the exchange of ideas, and support the continuous development of operational excellence and innovation within Securitas France.