Melanie Soto
I selected the strategic studies and defense analysis degree because it was not something that I had heard of in other schools and I understood the degree would set me apart from my peers when looking for future employment.
Q: “Tell us about yourself and professional experience.”
A: "I am originally from Northern Michigan. I met my husband when we were deployed in 2010 to Djibouti. We have a 6 year old lab/Pitbull mix and a 10 year old Calico I found in South Korea. We enjoy traveling, the beach, and visiting different craft beer breweries. I joined the Air Force directly out of high school in 2004 and went through training to be an all source intelligence analyst. I currently support Special Operations Command South, in which we focus on South & Central America, as well as the Caribbean. "
Q: “What was your motivation for pursuing your degree?”
A: "I initially did not want to pursue higher education because I had no clue what I wanted to earn my degree in. I understand I need to have a plan when my time in the military is complete. My boss, at the time, had earned his master’s degree from Norwich and had expressed how military friendly the school was and how it was held in high regard. I selected the strategic studies and defense analysis degree because it was not something that I had heard of in other schools and I understood the degree would set me apart from my peers when looking for future employment. Being in the military, I knew that an online program was my best bet to finish my degree and I had heard a lot of good things about the progression of online classes."
Q: "Did you find you were adequately supported by Norwich faculty and staff?"
A: "I am quick to recommend Norwich to other degree seeking subordinates because at no time did I feel like I was bothering the staff with questions or I was not treated the same as a traditional student would be. The staff at Norwich was excellent.
Q: "Please tell us how you apply your knowledge gained in the classroom at your job."
A: "I have seen my writing skills and my vocabulary expand and progress since completing my degree, which has helped me in my current position. Being an analyst, you have to know and understand history, which is exactly what the degree entails."
