Benjamin Robert Bradley
As the tagline for Norwich University says, "Expect Challenge. Achieve Distinction," do expect challenge, but also expect to be supported by your fellow classmates and instructors along the way.
Q: “Tell us about yourself.”
A: “I'm a first-generation non-traditional student. I'm originally from Atlanta, GA, and moved to Colorado Springs, CO, for employment in 2022; I am part of the Cybersecurity Solutions & Technology Team for an aerospace defense contractor. My interests include learning and experimenting with new technology, advocating for addiction/substance abuse disorder awareness and rehabilitation, and senior dog shelters. My hobbies include weightlifting and building out my home gym project.”
Q: “Please describe briefly your professional experience.”
A: “I was aimless in my twenties. For nearly a decade, I waited tables, bartended, and worked as a fitness trainer in a few big box gyms around Atlanta before pursuing higher education. After graduating from the University of North Georgia (the Senior Military College of Georgia) with my Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity in 2022, I received a job offer from a Colorado-based private aerospace defense contractor and relocated for employment.”
Q: “What was your motivation for pursuing your degree?”
A: “My motivations for pursuing my Master of Science in Cybersecurity from Norwich University include increasing my value as an information security professional, increasing my knowledge in the more technical areas of cybersecurity, and positioning myself as the most appealing applicant I can be for applying to law programs in 2025-2026 that offer cyber law and privacy law concentrations. My future professional plans include segueing my cybersecurity education and experience into law and policy.”
Q: “Why did you choose Norwich?”
A: “I was invited to present my undergraduate capstone research at the inaugural Cybersecurity Research in Undergraduate Projects (CyRUP) Conference in April 2022 and participated in the Cybersecurity Immersion Week for cybersecurity technical skill building several months later, in July 2022. I enjoyed my time on the Norwich campus; the Norwich students and faculty were a pleasure to meet, and I appreciated the cybersecurity-related curriculum to which I was exposed.”
Q: “Prior to beginning your courses, what were some of your expectations for an online degree program?”
A: “I did expect to be challenged by the graduate program at Norwich, and I most certainly was. I have grown as a professional writer and have expanded my cybersecurity knowledge and skillset.”
Q: “What advice would you give future students enrolling in one of Norwich's online programs?”
A: “As the tagline for Norwich University says, "Expect Challenge. Achieve Distinction," do expect challenge, but also expect to be supported by your fellow classmates and instructors along the way and expect to reciprocate that support to your fellow students.”
Q: “How do you plan to use your degree in your career?”
A: “My Master of Science in Cybersecurity degree will be leveraged for more advanced roles with my current employer, as well as for heightening my candidacy as a law school applicant in the near future.”
Q: “What has been your biggest personal or professional success since starting your degree?”
A: “My biggest success during this experience is simply seeing it through. While the coursework was challenging, simply persisting through the program was the biggest challenge, and I made it all the way through.”
Q: “Please tell us about a time in which you could put your knowledge gained in the classroom to work immediately at your job.”
A: “The professors influenced my ability to write clearly about technical content has already benefited me in my professional life with how I communicate with my colleagues and draft technical documentation.”
Q: “What aspects of your Norwich experience will you carry most strongly with you?”
A: “The abilities to persist and endure through a demanding program like Norwich University's Master of Science in Cybersecurity are ingrained within me, as is the camaraderie I shared with my classmates and the skills learned and honed throughout the program.”
Q: “Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your experiences at Norwich?”
A: “I am grateful for the opportunity to complete the graduate degree program, and my only regret is not having started it sooner.”
