<p><span class="p-body">A deep commitment to service is at the center of Chadwick Shroy' story and path to NYU SPS. Like many <a href="https://www.sps.nyu.edu/homepage/academics/masters-degrees/ms-in-global-security--conflict--and-cybercrime.html">MS in Global Security, Conflict, and Cybercrime</a> students, Chad came to NYU hoping to gain valuable perspective into the field through a social sciences lens. As a US Navy veteran, he brought a wealth of knowledge to the program and was ready to make an impact on the cybersecurity field.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">We recently caught up with Chad to learn more about his background, his overall experience at NYU SPS, and his advice for incoming students.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">Originally from Carson City, Nevada, Chad spent a decade as an intelligence officer in the US Navy. &quot;My time really embodied the old phrase, 'Join the Navy, see the world,'&quot; he shares. His military career took him to Japan, Bahrain, the UK, and across the Pacific Ocean, visiting over 30 countries and building friendships worldwide. When his wife's work brought them to New York City, Chad saw an opportunity to transition into a new field, leading him to the <a href="https://www.sps.nyu.edu/homepage/academics/masters-degrees/ms-in-global-security--conflict--and-cybercrime.html">MS in Global Security, Conflict, and Cybercrime</a> program at NYU SPS.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Chad's military background played a crucial role in shaping his interest in cybersecurity. &quot;So much of the language around cybersecurity is taken from the military—and even more so military intelligence,&quot; he explains. This familiarity made his transition to the classroom smoother, allowing him to quickly adapt to the program's demands. Chad's experience as a student was made special by the diverse, internationally-minded student body at the <a href="https://www.sps.nyu.edu/homepage/academics/divisions-and-departments/center-for-global-affairs.html">Center for Global Affairs (CGA)</a>, where he feels right at home.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">During his time at NYU SPS, Chad was hired by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). Recently, he moved into a new position as a Federal law enforcement liaison, where he works closely with agencies like the FBI, HSI, and the Secret Service on cyber investigations. Chad's education, particularly the focus on government policy and structure, has been instrumental in his success.&nbsp;</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">Chad takes pride in the unique opportunities his career has presented, particularly in shaping roles that were the first of their kind at CISA. &quot;Getting to write the script on how something is supposed to work or what success looks like is an incredibly gratifying experience,&quot; he notes. Chad also notes the challenges of working in such a vast field as cybersecurity, where there's room for a wide range of specialties and interests, beyond just technical skills.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">As a veteran, Chad is grateful for the GI Bill and the Yellow Ribbon Program, which are resources he highly recommends to other veterans transitioning out of the service. Reflecting on his time as a graduate student, Chad expresses, &quot;NYU SPS has been a wonderful school with world-class professors. The NYU network is incredible and would be a benefit to any veteran thinking about heading this way!&quot;</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">As Chad continues to deepen his understanding of how CISA can best support Federal law enforcement, he remains committed to the agency's mission. &quot;It's going to take some time to fully understand this landscape, and I'm 100% here for it,&quot; Chad asserts. With his dedication, military experience, and the foundation built at NYU SPS, Chad is poised to make significant contributions to the future of cybersecurity.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">Chad offers valuable advice for incoming NYU SPS students: &quot;Get outside your comfort zone and socialize with the other disciplines.&quot; Building connections across different fields was essential to his growth as a student and professional because of the interpersonal benefits of such interactions. He also recommends staying informed through relevant publications like Bleeping Computer, The Hacker News, and Dark Reading.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">The diverse and ever-changing field of cybersecurity is ready for new professionals to make an impact. Start your path to an <a href="https://www.sps.nyu.edu/homepage/academics/masters-degrees/ms-in-global-security--conflict--and-cybercrime.html">MS in Global Security, Conflict, and Cybercrime</a> at NYU SPS today.</span></p>