SPS Stories
Faculty Spotlight
Protecting Democracies After Graduating from CGA
Fast Facts
- Lukas Mejia currently works as a threat context lead at Microsoft's Threat Analysis Center
- He grew up in Colombia and originally came to NYC to pursue filmmaking
- Mejia advises prospective students to network extensively, embrace curiosity, and engage actively with industry professionals
<p>The <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-global-affairs.html" title="Master's in Global Affairs">MS in Global Affairs</a> program specializes in preparing students for international relations and foreign service jobs, providing one-of-a-kind opportunities both in and out of the classroom. Lukas Mejia is a graduate of the program who grew up in Colombia and came to NYC with the dream of taking his place at the center of global affairs.</p>
<p>We caught up with Mejia to learn more about his background, his experience in the program, and what he has been up to since graduation.</p>
From Dual Cultures to Digital Defense
<p>Having an American mother and a Colombian father meant that Mejia grew up with two distinct cultural influences. This dual-cultural upbringing shaped his perspective on global issues and led him to pursue a career in international relations after earning his BA in Human Geography at the University of Georgia.</p>
<p>Mejia chose NYU's <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-global-affairs.html" title="Center for Global Affairs (CGA)">Center for Global Affairs (CGA)</a> for its practical approach and accomplished faculty. The in-person model and the variety of courses, such as Information and Narrative Warfare and Transnational Security, resonated with his interests and career goals. The practical opportunities and networking at CGA helped Mejia navigate his career path effectively.</p>
<p>Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mejia's time at NYU was marked by strong bonds with his cohort and supportive faculty. He recalls how these relationships extended beyond the classroom, providing career advice and personal support through life milestones, making his time at CGA enriching and meaningful.</p>
<p>During his time at CGA, Mejia participated in practicums with the UN and the US Department of State and interned with NYU's <a href="https://www.nyu.edu/life/safety-health-wellness/campus-safety/2020-21-annual-report/global-resiliency-and-security.html" title="Global Security Operations Center (GSOC)">Global Security Operations Center (GSOC)</a>. These experiences provided him with practical skills and adaptability, crucial for his current role at Microsoft.</p>
Thriving at Microsoft
<p>Now a threat context lead at Microsoft's Threat Analysis Center, Mejia uses his technical, research, and language skills to combat digital threats to democracies. The variety of classes and practical experiences at NYU SPS prepared him for this unique career path, emphasizing the importance of practical skills over theoretical knowledge.</p>
<p>He also credits his bilingual childhood with helping him develop the skills to navigate multi-cultural contexts and work with Spanish-speaking nations.</p>
It is safe to say that CGA's malleable program allowed practitioners and thought leaders in emerging fields to bestow their knowledge at the cost of a more theoretical-based approach, and I'm glad that was the case."
Unexpected Successes, Challenges, and Proud Moments
<p>Graduating during the pandemic brought unforeseen challenges, but Mejia's proactive networking at NYU paid off. Engaging with thought leaders and practitioners during his time at CGA led to valuable connections, including meeting his current boss, which paved the way for his unexpected career success.</p>
<p>One of Mejia's proudest moments was contributing significantly to the Microsoft Threat Analysis Center from its inception. He is proud of the impact of his team's work during significant events like the 2020 US presidential election and Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Looking ahead, Lukas aims to continue learning and eventually focus on issues in Latin America and the global south.</p>
Advice for NYU SPS Students
<p>Mejia emphasizes the importance of networking and actively engaging with industry experts. He advises students to attend talks, ask questions, and build relationships to maximize their opportunities. "Networking sounds intimidating and ubiquitous, but if you perspectivize it as part of something you were already curious about, such as attending a talk or discussion by some expert in a field you're interested in, it comes naturally," he shares. Mejia also encourages embracing a variety of languages relevant to international relations, such as Mandarin, Russian, Hindi/Urdu, Arabic, Farsi, French, and Spanish. Now, Lukas is working on highlighting <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/misinformation/fake-video-threat-olympic-games-russia-rcna163186" title="foreign malign influence during major events, like the 2024 Paris Olympics">foreign malign influence during major events, like the 2024 Paris Olympics</a>.</p>
<p>Turn your passions into action when you pursue an <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-global-affairs.html" title="Master's in Global Affairs">MS in Global Affairs</a> at NYU SPS today.</p>
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