What were you doing before LGO and why did you decide that LGO was the next step for you?
Prior to joining LGO, I spent my career working in the Department of Defense. After graduating from the United States Naval Academy, I served in the US Marine Corps as an Intelligence Officer for 6 years. Upon leaving the military, I continued my work in the government as a cybersecurity contractor. My passion for technology grew during my time studying and working in cybersecurity, and I ultimately decided I wanted to explore higher education and a career in technology. The LGO program was the perfect next step for me because of the opportunity to study both business and engineering courses as well as gain valuable experience outside of the classroom through programs such as the domestic and international plant treks and the six-month research internship.
What are you still looking forward to exploring during LGO?
I am most looking forward to beginning my internship project this month with an LGO partner company. The internship will be a great opportunity for me to apply everything I have learned during my first two semesters at MIT on a current business project. This is a great way to further advance the skills I have learned in the classroom, while also helping me identify gaps and weaknesses in my knowledge of the technology industry. After this experience, I will know how to best craft my remaining academic curriculum at MIT so that I can be a well-rounded professional upon graduation from the program.
How have you engaged with affinity groups or diversity initiatives while at MIT?
I have primarily spent my time working on diversity initiatives focused on future classes of LGO and MIT students, offering my assistance to members of the URM community for application preparation and review. I also participate heavily in new student recruiting events, making myself available as a resource for candidates to ask questions and sharing the story of my journey to LGO, hoping to inspire others to apply and join the community. Within the MIT community, being a member of the Black Business Student Association (BBSA) has been an amazing experience, and I could not have asked for a more supportive group of individuals for this journey.
Do you have any advice for prospective students thinking about applying?
The biggest piece of advice I would offer any prospective students thinking about applying is to take the risk, believe in yourself, and apply. Nearly every person that I have spoken to in the LGO program thought that getting accepted into this selective program with such a small class size was very unlikely. This combined with the daunting task of simultaneously completing two graduate level degrees from MIT causes many people to second guess applying to the program. I had these same doubts, but the admissions staff, current students, and alumni are all very encouraging and helpful throughout the entire process. If a prospective student feels as if this is the right program for the next step in their personal and professional development, my advice is to reach out to current students and alumni and apply. Believe in yourself and believe in the process.
