Admission Essay Sample: Master of Science in Computer Information Systems

I am applying to the Master of Science in Computer Information Systems, Security Concentration to have a deeper understanding of the best practices of cybersecurity field.  As I am working as a cybersecurity analyst and threat hunter in the Air Force, I would like to gain more knowledge and expertise in my career field.  The technology field of cybersecurity is complex and broad, which is the reason why I was drawn into it.  By gaining acceptance into the program, I would hope to be able to advance my career potential to be able to take on new and exciting challenges that I have yet to face.

During my first semester at University of Hawaii at Manoa, I was suspended due to poor grades.  At this time, I lost focus on my education due to a family tragedy. Needing to reevaluate my life choices, I decided to take courses at a community college to raise my GPA up.

After raising my GPA to an acceptable level, I was able to be reinstated back in and received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. After graduation I decided to join the health field as a nurse aide but decided to join the Air Force due to burn out and a want to serve my country. Fortunately, I was selected as a Cyber Transport Technician which eventually will lead me into the world of cyber.

My first career was as a Cyber Transport Technician, I was assigned to a Communications squadron and oversaw my assigned base’s network and manage all the nodes that connects to the base.  It was during this time that the Air Force was in the process of transitioning all communications personnel and squadron to a new Cyber squadron.  I was fortunate to be chosen and became a “Pathfinder”, a member chosen to construct a path to transition a Communication personnel into Cyber personnel.  During this time, I had leaned the Air Force had cybersecurity rates and decided to apply for retraining.  After being interviewed for the slot, I was accepted into the retraining slot and became a cybersecurity analyst.

Working as a cybersecurity analyst in the Air Force, I have received many trainings as well self-taught myself to be qualified as a senior operator within our flight.  I believe that with these trainings along with the coursework provided at your school, I will be in a better position to not just help the airmen around me but the United States as well.  

My career plan currently is to become more proficient in the cybersecurity field to be more efficient at my job.  This will then help me in finding a new job once I decide to separate from the military.  By gaining more experience and knowledge, I hope to make myself more presentable for a hiring company.

I have confidence that this Masters degree program will enable me to take on more challenges in the cybersecurity field and develop my critical problem solving skills.  Continuous learning is important in the cyber field and hopefully by joining your program, I will be able to further my knowledge in the cybersecurity field.