National Security Agency

#StoriesofNSA – My 2021 job search did not include having the NSA on my radar. In November that year, I finished my Cybersecurity doctorate and my dream job was to work at another government agency. I endured a year of attending numerous job fairs, sitting through multiple interviews, endless resume updates, and holding out hope only to end in disappointment in each instance. As you would imagine, I was in my feelings going through all this. In a LinkedIn post, one of my connections reached out and offered advice about my current goals. I explained to him everything I’ve done in the failed pursuits of my “dream job.” Summarily, he laid out a strategy that I could take a career detour. I followed his advice and applied for two positions at NSA, and one of those positions is what I have now. The recruiting experience with the NSA felt faster; I felt like they wanted me. It’s like an NBA team moving in quickly to sign a free agent before any other team does. At least two weeks after submitting my information, I received an email stating I had a Conditional Job Offer. The first thought that came to my mind was that this had to be spam. For as long as I’ve worked in the government, the government has not moved THIS fast! Finally stepping foot at NSA, I was immediately inundated with information about available benefits and resources – any thought of leaving for that “dream job” was eradicated from my mind. I have no interest in leaving the Agency and am ready to give it my all here and leave it to God as to what I can accomplish. The NSA hits different. Feeling wanted instead of trying so hard to get noticed, the NSA changed my opinion after the ~14-month process. I will keep this 💯 and say that when I went to my Research and Development duty station, I thought this was nothing like the shows and movies. In my mind, I was all excited cause this was the NSA, and I’d have the latest and greatest in high-tech gear. I thought I would live like Jack Ryan! I am a true believer in saying your goals out loud. In one of my first conversations with my supervisor, I shared my goal to become a CISO. I know I can’t skip steps as I will need to pay my dues as a supervisor to gain that experience. Fast forward a year, an opportunity presented itself after a re-organization in early 2024. I shot my shot and am now the new Emerging Technology & Strategic Issues Division Chief. In this new chapter of my life, I am adopting the moniker ‘The People’s Chief’ as I work to embody human-centric leadership. I give all praise and honor to God for leading me on this journey. Lastly, I am a Mount Vernon, New York, native with a Jamaican bloodline – my Mother is from Kingston, and my Father is from Saint Elizabeth. My late grandmother is why I’m a doctor today. I reflect on the example my parents set and the hard work they put in every day, which fuels me to give it 115%. If you’re doubting yourself whether you can make it here at the agency, don’t. I’m proof that you can.

In honor of Learn a Foreign Language Month we’re encouraging you to dust off that old language textbook. Join us as we celebrate with fellow language lovers, especially our analysts at NSA who provide critical intel to our nation’s leaders. If you’re interested in turning your passion for language into a career, learn more on our LinkedIn Life page: https://bit.ly/48iWHe6.

#StoriesofNSA - I had done some work at the U.S. Census Bureau and some consulting work for the VA. But mostly, I just wanted to continue working at the federal level, that’s how I landed at NSA. You know, I never go into anything with any particular expectations. I mostly just wanted to find out the rules so I don't do anything wrong. It was different to be here rather than doing something for another security agency – the security checkpoints were very interesting, parking was interesting, getting on a little shuttle, that was different for me. I was surprised by the complexity of things, it’s way more complex than I realized. I don't know, I mean, complex as in the infrastructure, and the actual work every day. Finding out how many ways NSA is active in the world, as well as finding your way to a conference room; all very complex. I am competent in a number of things but I am “directionally challenged.” I get lost quite often as a newer employee - and I so appreciate the generosity of coworkers helping me find my way to the places I'm going, Recently, I was going to get my picture taken and asking people directions along the way. A gentleman told me a way to go but I got confused and I had to then ask someone else. Then the original guy came back, caught up to me, told me that he had given me the wrong directions and walked me there. We were both laughing about it. I’ve come to believe that it’s OK to get lost along the way wherever you are going, here at NSA or in life. You discover new things, find new paths, meet new people and if you are me, still end up where you are supposed to be, with a little help from others. At the end of the day I go home just like everyone else to family and friends. You don’t have to be superhuman to serve, you just need to desire to help however you can.

On today's bonus episode of No Such Podcast, we bring you part two of then-Captain Grace Hopper's lecture to the NSA workforce! It’s available now wherever you get your podcasts. https://lnkd.in/egnmsFxh

On this International Volunteer Day, we say thank you to our employees who give back. Many of our STEM experts give graciously of their time, not only as mentors to their co-workers, but also to young people in the community. Watch this video clip to learn why Dr. Zulema C. thinks STEM outreach is so important: https://bit.ly/4g84Kyb.

If you are interested in cybersecurity, you too could end up at the White House. Did you know that the United States Military Academy at West Point won NSA’s Cyber Exercise this year and received an invitation to the White House from the Office of the National Cyber Director, The White House to be recognized for their achievement? (https://lnkd.in/eBbe6Txg)

Take proactive steps to defend your network against espionage campaigns. Follow our joint guidance with CISA, FBI, and others to bolster network visibility, harden devices, and strengthen your defenses against a PRC-affiliated actor who has targeted global telecommunications providers. https://lnkd.in/e-gFvqRZ

Apply your industrial and commercial experience to maintain critical electrical infrastructure, ensuring national security operations run smoothly while growing your skills in a rewarding environment. #highvoltagetechnician https://lnkd.in/e2q-PpmR

Rear Admiral Grace Hopper, American pioneer of computer programming, came to NSA in 1982 to deliver a lecture entitled, "Future Possibilities: Data, Hardware, Software, and People." On Tuesday, November 26, we bring you the first part of then-Captain Hopper's lecture in a bonus episode of No Such Podcast. Subscribe now so you don't miss this episode or the second part of her lecture.

Today's calendar date is 11/23, the first part of the Fibonacci sequence. If you like numbers and finding patterns in things, learn how to join our team: nsa.gov/careers