Terry Heppleston
Briefly explain your role
I’m a Desk Based Project Manager in the Special Projects Team
What do you love about your job?
I love the variety the role presents to me. I get to see the processes through from start to finish, incorporating multiple KST’s departments.
How does KST empower you in your role?
I have the flexibility to balance work and home responsibilities. Over the years I have been given the opportunity to attend courses to develop my knowledge and skills base.
What made you move into the security sector?
The move was just by chance. I was working as a care worker in children’s home and knew that wasn’t something I wanted to do long term. A colleague I was working with said there was a vacancy in the KST control room as an operator and, 13years later, I’m still here!
Has there been any significant barriers to progression in your career within the security profession?
There was a stigma about women that progressed in the security industry, but I found that if you have the drive and ambition opportunities to progress are presented to you.
How does KST help support your sense of purpose in your career?
I have been lucky being able to work across several different departments to find what I prefer, enjoy and am good at – whilst also developing a broad skills and knowledge base.
What’s your most memorable moment in your career so far?
I don’t have one key memorable moment. It’s the people I have worked with over the years that have made my career memorable. Should I mention here I also met my husband at KST!
What opportunities does the security profession offer?
The security industry umbrellas so many areas that you can progress in a number of differing departments, depending on your strengths and preferences.
What would you say to any women who have reservations about how male- dominated the industry is, in order to put their minds at ease?
Times have and are changing, there are so many successful women in the industry now – the only thing holding you back is you.
How do you balance work and home responsibilities?
KST allows me to be flexible in my hours when needed. As long as the work is completed, when it needs to be completed by, I can fit work around home responsibilities and vice versa.
Sign off your employee story with anything else you would like to add
Had there been the opportunities back when I started to what there is now things may have been slightly different…I would have seriously considered engineering. The opportunities are there, so grab them with both hands.