Mission Protectas: Chiara Bürki

Who are you in a few words? 

Name: Chiara Bürki 

Age: 22 (09.03.2003) 

Origin: I grew up in Schönbühl and now live in Tafers (Canton of Fribourg). 

A fact nobody knows:

A year ago, I said I would never move to the Canton of Fribourg. Today, I absolutely don’t regret that decision. My heart, however, still belongs to Bern

What motivated you to work at Protectas? 

I joined both the security sector and the company as a career changer. That makes it even more motivating to see the trust and responsibility I was given from the start. 

The opportunity to gain civilian experience alongside my military leadership background and to continue developing actively is a key motivator for me. 

I also really appreciate the company culture – mutual respect and kindness are an additional source of motivation. 

Can you tell us about your beginnings at Protectas?

Starting at Protectas was an exciting challenge. Until then, I served in the militia army and worked an additional year as a career non-commissioned officer candidate. The transition from military to civilian life was a big change. 

At Protectas, I had to learn the daily tasks of an industrial security officer while also leading a team and setting up a service that meets company expectations. 

Luckily, I never felt overwhelmed, as I could always count on the support of my colleagues and superiors. 

What are your current responsibilities?

My role is very diverse. I spend about 60% of my time in operational service, in direct contact with the client. In addition, there’s a significant amount of administrative work. I don’t plan the agents’ shifts alone – I work closely with the team planner. 

A large part of my job is ensuring that my team follows both the client’s and Protectas’ guidelines. I also make sure the work meets the expectations of both parties. 

I’m the link between my agents, the client, and my superiors. Communication and coordination are therefore essential. 

In short, my role is very varied and involves constant exchange with the team, the client, and management. 

What do you like about your job? 

The mix of operational and administrative work makes my days very varied. I’m also in daily contact with different stakeholders (client, team, management), which adds even more diversity. 

I really enjoy this variety, as it prevents monotony. 

I also appreciate the opportunity to gain valuable leadership skills in the civilian world. The responsibility that comes with my role motivates me and makes my work exciting. 

What has been your biggest challenge and how do you handle it?

Even during my military service, I found it hard to consciously take breaks, delegate tasks, or accept a solution that isn’t 100% perfect (Pareto principle). This tendency has continued in my civilian professional life and is sometimes my biggest challenge. 

I often feel the need to finish tasks the same day, even when it’s not realistic. When I have unfinished tasks, I struggle to “switch off” when I get home. 

I’m aware of this pattern and actively work on managing these situations better and allowing myself mental breaks. 

Which value resonates most with you and why? (Integrity, Vigilance, Helpfulness) 

My goal is to embody all three values and pass them on to my team. To me, they form the foundation of our profession. 

But if I had to choose one, I’d pick helpfulness. I’m convinced that a team works better when people support each other – this requires everyone’s availability and team spirit. 

How do you experience being a woman in your profession? 

As a woman, you often feel like you have to prove yourself. At first, I was afraid I wouldn’t be taken seriously because of my gender and young age. 

But that fear turned out to be completely unfounded. On one hand, I had full support from my superiors from the start. On the other hand, my team never made me feel that my gender made me a less capable team leader. 

In discussions, I’ve never been reduced to my gender – we speak as equals, whether man or woman. 

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

Leading or working in a mostly male team can feel intimidating. It’s normal to be afraid or feel uncertain at first. 

But I say to all women: don’t let yourself be intimidated. Whether an agent or a team leader is considered competent depends on many factors – but gender is not one of them. 

Women belong everywhere – if you’re ready, the position is too!