Dallas Threat Intelligence Lead Advises An Educational Focus
Dr. Chase Cunningham is threat intelligence lead for Firehost. It is Cunningham's responsibility to analyze security threats raised through events and from sources such as firewalls, IDS/IPS devices, and private and government intelligence services. He also manages threat analysis capabilities, intelligence and analysis technologies, and the development of any future advanced capabilities that will be used to protect Firehost and its customers against existing and emerging threats.
He earned his bachelor's degree from American Military University in homeland security, law enforcement, firefighting and related protective services. He went on to earn his master's in information security as well as his doctorate in computer and information systems security/information assurance from Colorado Technical University. As a Navy veteran, Cunningham offers insight into education and life after military service.
Why did you pursue a Master's degree?
"When I looked at what would make me viable for a job after the military, I wanted to be someone that folks would have to justify not hiring. Having a master's degree and any certifications combined with my military and national security experience would, in my opinion, make it hard for an employer to say 'no.'"
What would you tell someone who is considering returning to school to earn a master's degree?
"Focus on what you really want to do, not what you think you should do. A master's is hard enough but just getting a degree shouldn't be the main reason. You need to understand that it is a tool in their belt that should be enabling their future, not just another piece of paper to say, 'look what I did.'"
What was the biggest challenge you faced when pursuing your master's degree?
"Time. If you don't manage your time well and are not dedicating time every day to the end goal, you will fail."
What was the biggest reward for earning the master's degree?
"Knowing that I had one more arrow in my quiver for my future that showed an employer that not only could I manage my time, but I could also dedicate myself to a challenge and get it done no matter what the sacrifices were."
Robin D. Everson is a native Chicagoan who resides in Dallas, Texas. Her appreciation for art, food, wine, people and places has helped her become a well-respected journalist. A life-long lover of education, Robin seeks to learn and enlighten others about culture. You can find her work at Examiner.com