Nikhita, Data Center Security Specialist at AWS

Data is the most valuable currency of the digital age, and just like any valuable resource, data needs to be heavily protected. As we increasingly use online services, we tend to forget that our data doesn't just disappear into thin air after we hit "save". It gets stored in physical machines located inside data centers. This data is protected both digitally and physically.

My team comprises 13 security and crisis management professionals from diverse backgrounds. The team ensures the physical protection of data centers and the hundreds of people who work there. Our role involves a range of tasks including conducting regular security audits and risk assessments, investigating alarms and missing media drives, implementing new security technologies, developing and maintaining incident response plans for disruptive events such as the Olympics this year, researching emerging security threats in the data center sector, and responding to emergencies, sometimes even at 3am at night.  

The most fascinating part of my job has been the opportunity to expand on my technical knowledge. Even though I do not have a technical background, I have always enjoyed learning about new technologies and how they shape our world. I was also a member of the SciencesPo Cybersecurity Association for this reason. Working at a top tech company in the belly of its core operations, I get to witness this rapid technological change first-hand. 

I was drawn to PSIA because it offers an education that is practical and profession-oriented, as compared to other International Affairs schools that focus only on developing research capabilities and do not update their curriculums with the times. Going into PSIA, I was fairly confident that I wanted to pursue a career in private sector security or emerging technologies, and had the opportunity to take courses related to the same at PSIA. These classes were taught by working professionals, who not only discussed theoretical knowledge, but also how they apply this knowledge to their jobs in real life. Our assignments also reflected these real-life scenarios. For instance, having to write SOPs for my assignments prepared me for all the SOPs I have to write at work now.

International Affairs is a really broad discipline. Even though we are already specializing in Security, Development, or Diplomacy, the opportunities within those fields are also really diverse and require different skill sets. While on paper the broad range of options sounds nice, in reality it can get overwhelming and confusing, especially if one does not have a concrete career goal.  Here is what personally helped me:

You might have seen this before if you know about Ikigai- Don't just think about what you enjoy doing. Also keep in mind what you are good at, what you can be paid for, and what the world needs.  

Intern/volunteer a lot. Being a student gives you the opportunity and time to pursue multiple interests without the level of commitment required from full-time jobs. Trying different types of roles helps you understand what suits you, but most importantly, you also discover what you absolutely dislike doing.

Browse on LinkedIn. You don't have to necessarily post anything on there but do spend some time going through the profiles of more experienced people. Doing so myself, I discovered a lot of job titles I had no idea where a possible career option for me. I also noted what people working in roles I was interested in had in common- the certifications they held, their hard skills, and what their career progression looked like. Also, don't be shy to send connection requests to expand your professional network. You would be surprised at how many Presidents of companies and IOs are open to expanding their network as well.