National Security Agency

#StoriesofNSA - When I first visited NSA, years ago, I was a junior analyst attending a conference and meeting some of my counterparts for the first time. While this was a rewarding experience outside of a virtual setting, when they asked if I would ever like to stay longer, I thought, “I would never work here.” It was so different to my home agency’s HQ in Ottawa, Canada, the Communication Security Establishment (CSE). Except when the Canadian geese are terrorizing you by camping out on the front lawn, the Edward Drake Building (EDB) is beautiful. Fast forward several years, I’ve built on the long-distance relationship I have with all of my NSA partners and I became one of CSE’s Liaison Officers to the agency. As an avid reader, I should have known better than to judge a book by its cover. My work here, being a Canadian working with our US partners, has provided me the best of both worlds. And too be fair, NSA has a lovely new East Campus, which reminds me of EDB ??. One of the most memorable things to have happened at NSA, was exactly a year into my post. Our office senior had to travel home suddenly, and as her deputy, I was required to say a few words at George Barnes’ retirement ceremony. This was the first time I would be doing something at this level and I was terrified. When I entered the Morrison Center, my heart missed a beat. I had worn my fancy high heels, something I reconsidered in hindsight because I thought my legs would give way on stage. As I mentioned earlier, the day Mr. Barnes retired was my one-year anniversary in the US. When I went up to speak, I said something along the lines of despite everyone thinking they were here for his farewell ceremony, it was really all about me today. So, I decided to start my speech with a joke (and a prayer) that it would land. It did. Everyone laughed, so that gave me the push to keep going. Interacting with the people of NSA has been a real pleasure; they are so very friendly, professional, and kind. When outsiders try to tell me what NSA is like or what NSA workers are like, I tell them to scrub these thoughts out of their minds. I was a political refugee when I came to Canada. I am an Arab-Canadian and I understand what it is like to have a stereotype be taken as a truth. Misconceptions based on misinformation is not something I tolerate. While this place is gigantic, and a bureaucracy, it is staffed with good people and at the end of the day, we do very cool things together as partners for the security of our nations. NSA is quite popular with its partners, but I say CSE is quite honestly the BFF. We all work together on each other’s problems and solve them together. Sure there are other partners, but I confidently tell the other partners, “Who is neighbors with whom?” Nothing is like a neighbor, and that relationship alone will ensure an everlasting friendship! Also, lesson learned, I definitely won’t be judging any books by their cover ever again.

#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.

The two most vital keys to Kimberly H.’s success are her dedication to continual learning and her mentors at NSA who challenge her to excel. Read more about this computer systems security manager’s career in this blog on InHerSight about women pioneers. https://bit.ly/4fcoLmz

Our recent NSA in Focus event, attended by 322 participants, was a great success. Leaders shared their insights, dedication to the community, and a compelling vision for NSA’s future, reinforcing the unique qualities that define our agency. Thank you to all who attended and stay tuned for the announcement of our next NSA in Focus event. You can watch the full recording here: https://bit.ly/3APtcVZ.

As the semester ends, you may be thinking about your next steps. Internships? Entry-level positions after graduation? The good news is that NSA has opportunities for current college students and new grads. If you’re attending this week’s career fair at The George Washington University, stop by to see us to learn more about the roles we have and the amazing benefits we offer. #georgewashingtonuniversity

At NSA, you can be your authentic self. Mary S. feels just as comfortable displaying pride flags and having educational, open dialogue with coworkers about their significance as she does pursuing her professional goals.

In 1995, NSA established its first Regional SIGINT Operations Centers (RSOCs), marking a pivotal advancement in cryptologic support for military operations. Led respectively by the Air Force in Texas, the Navy in Hawaii, and the Army in Georgia, these RSOCs provided specialized signals intelligence capabilities directly supporting U.S. military missions. In 2005, the RSOCs were re-designated as Cryptologic Centers (CCs) to reflect their integration into a globally networked cryptologic enterprise, a transformation driven by the heightened security needs following the events of September 11, 2001. Today, Cryptologic Centers operate in Texas, Hawaii, Georgia, and Colorado, continuing to support national defense initiatives. https://lnkd.in/gEwwJmv2

The 2024 Codebreaker Challenge is half way over. See which schools are on top and learn more at https://lnkd.in/dMNBbMv. *Standings as of November 12, 2024.

Advance your skills, your career and the nation. At NSA, we invest in our people through professional training, development and mentorship to ensure you are ready for the future. Learn more! https://lnkd.in/eEd35jut

NSA isn’t just a great place for a job, it’s a great place for a career – or several. If you want a career where moving up and moving on to a new field is totally acceptable and encouraged, this is the place to do it. We can even pay for it. Learn more now: https://bit.ly/3A6F5Xb. #careerdevelopmentmonth #careerdevelopment