Jared Fox
I enjoy studying with students who are also veterans and learning from military leaders. What sealed the deal was Norwich's online cybersecurity program. I was able to transfer most of my credits and found working with the faculty to be very easy.
Q: “Tell us about yourself.”
A: “I live by the Jersey Shore with my beautiful wife and two young children. Between work, school, and trying to keep up with a toddler and an infant, I don't find much time for hobbies. When I do, I enjoy cooking, sports, fitness, and reading. My favorite thing to learn about is computer science. After high school, I joined the Marine Corps and served two tours in Iraq as an assaultman in the infantry. After my time in the Marines, I studied political science at Salem State University in Massachusetts while I navigated the hospitality industry. After realizing I didn't feel particularly passionate about either of those, I decided to change my career trajectory and enrolled in computer science courses. I now serve as a cybersecurity analyst at a Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey.”
Q: “What was your motivation for pursuing your degree?”
A: “While earning my Associate of Science in Cybersecurity, I decided that I loved school and learning. Being a veteran, I had heard of Norwich University before and decided to take a look at their bachelor's in cybersecurity program. From enrollment to graduation, the experience has been enlightening and rewarding. I'm proud to have earned my degree at Norwich and know it will position me for better opportunities in the future.”
Q: “What are your future professional plans?
A: “I want to work in the field of Artificial Intelligence Security. I have the privilege of working on AI projects in my current role and will be attending Norwich in the fall to earn my master's in cybersecurity with a concentration in artificial intelligence. I'm happy I can continue my studies in a way that aligns with my career goals.”
Q: “Why did you choose Norwich?”
A: “I have a friend in the Air Force who is a Norwich graduate. When I started asking around about it, it turned out several of my friends who are veterans had heard about it and knew Norwich grads. I enjoy studying with students who are also veterans and learning from military leaders. It's nice studying with people whose values and experiences are similar to your own. What sealed the deal was Norwich's online cybersecurity program. I was able to transfer most of my credits and found working with the faculty to be very easy.”
Q: “Did you have any uncertainties with choosing an online program?”
A: “While there are colleges within driving distance of my home, none of them matched my criteria for enrolling. I wanted a school with an established cybersecurity program, flexibility, and a good reputation. It also helped that Norwich didn't devalue my hard work and accepted a majority of my transfer credits, saving me precious time and money.”
Q: “Prior to beginning your courses, what were some of your expectations for an online degree program?”
A: “ I had taken some online courses before and found Norwich's program to be challenging, fair, and beneficial to my learning. The things that stick out most to me are the quality of the online labs and the attentiveness of the faculty. I have never had any trouble getting help from a professor or my faculty advisor.”
Q: “What is one piece of advice you would give to future students enrolling in one of Norwich's online programs?”
A: “There is a lot to learn from the classes if you take advantage of the materials and teachers. Don't hold back when it comes to learning, ask questions, dig deeper, and gain as much knowledge as you can from the experience.”
Q: “How do you plan to use your degree in your career?”
A: “I see my degree as a way of opening doors to opportunities that otherwise may not be available to me. I love learning, so why not leverage it to earn a credential that will make my resume stand out?”
Q: “What has been your biggest personal or professional success since starting your degree?”
A: “Besides all the knowledge and everything I've learned about computer science, the biggest success that I walk away with will be what I've learned about myself. I've been attending school full time, working full time, and helping my wonderful wife raise two beautiful kids. There have been many late nights and long days, but I showed up every day for whatever work, school, and life had waiting for me. If you want something bad enough, you'll figure out how to make it happen.”
Q: “Please tell us about a time when you could put your knowledge gained in the classroom to work immediately at your job.”
A: “I was able to directly apply what I learned about policy writing and vulnerability assessment report writing to my work. Coincidentally, during both those courses, I was working on projects that involved those topics.”
Q: “What aspects of your Norwich experience will you carry most strongly with you?”
A: “I think my time at Norwich taught me how to deal with having a lot on my plate at any given time. Sometimes I thought I couldn't get it all done, but I found a way. Sometimes I had to reach out to my faculty advisor or a professor, but I always found a way to maintain a high GPA and get everything done. That will always stick with me. My time at Norwich made me feel like there's nothing stopping me from pursuing an advanced degree. It kind of makes you feel like you can do anything. I'm hoping to eventually earn a doctorate.”
