Norwich University hosted a series of presentations over two days to acquaint students, faculty, and staff with the National Security Agency (NSA)

Norwich University hosted a series of presentations over two days to acquaint students, faculty, and staff with the National Security Agency (NSA). Those in attendance learned about the fields of foreign language intelligence analysis and the multitude of internship and professional opportunities that exist at the NSA for students pursuing language studies in addition to their other fields of interest.

The Norwich community was able to directly interact with NSA professionals during this experience and gain a behind-the-scenes look through the lens of a Russian multi-disciplinary language analyst, certified NSA National Cryptologic University professor specializing in Russo-Soviet history, and a certified language-focused academic liaison.

The first day multiple information sessions connected 135 students, spanning 11 of the Norwich world languages classes, with potential opportunities through the NSA. 

“The sessions proved engaging and dynamic, and provided students with vital understanding of how the NSA leverages different academic degrees and skillsets, Those with backgrounds in STEM, the legal system, and business can thrive at the NSA when combined with foreign language study – especially when it’s through any of Norwich University’s robust foreign language programs, said Assistant Professor of Spanish Kaitlin Thomas, Ph.D.“

Students were enthusiastic and highly receptive; many took the time to stay after each session to speak with them directly.
 

“A Day in the Life of an NSA Foreign Language Analyst” was the afternoon focus. This extremely well-attended session offered an impactful, real-world example of the intersections between the primary academic disciplines of the Norwich students, and the study and application of foreign language. 

“It was an effective approach with many in the audience reacting and engaging directly with the NSA,” said Thomas. Immediately following the session, a coffee hour meet-and-greet allowed students to interface, in-person, with the representative from the NSA.

Day two began with a presentation to a group of 25 staff and faculty from the Department of Global Humanities, the Senator Patrick Leahy School of Cybersecurity and Advanced Computing, the Government Services Leadership Academy, the Office of Admissions, and the Center for Career Readiness. Information was centered on career, internship, and training opportunities, the benefits of encouraging students to study a foreign language, and how to best help students be competitive for opportunities at the NSA.

This presentation was followed by a four-hour “info tabling” in the NU student center. Information was distributed about the NSA and the fields of intelligence analysis and intelligence collection, being a multidisciplinary language analyst, internship opportunities, and more. Two world languages students assisted NSA staff while also distributing information about classes most relevant to his visit (Chinese for intel and cyber, Spanish for law enforcement, and French for diplomacy, and Chinese, Spanish, and French language classes). Efforts were also aided by the Center for Career Readiness with two representatives in attendance throughout the day. “They were able to interact directly with upwards of 30 students because of this tabling, several of whom I have already received emails from to both thank us for offering the event, and to follow up on pursuing opportunities at the NSA and in our World Languages programs,” said Thomas.

The final programming of the visit consisted of a presentation for representatives of the Center for Career Readiness, the Department of Global Humanities (within which world languages is housed), and the education and psychology programs about grant opportunities to bolster foreign language enrollment and create feeder programs that span the pre-kindergarten through college school systems. How such grants and approaches could be beneficial for Norwich University, the NSA, and the local pre-kindergarten through college system generated rich discussion and several action items that will be followed up on in the weeks to come.

“This in-person campus visit to Norwich was a tremendous success,” said Thomas. “He [NSA staff] was able to interface with a multitude of students while inspiring their pursuit of foreign language studies, reinforcing career and internship messaging through vital Norwich offices, and offering possible pathways forward to bolster language studies and professional application at Norwich.”

“I can say unequivocally that our robust programming, as well as the meaningful connections that everyone has made, would not have been possible in a virtual format,” said Thomas. “We are grateful for the establishment of this partnership between Norwich and the NSA and are eager to welcome them back to campus next academic year for another in-person visit.”

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About Norwich University
Norwich University is a diversified academic institution that educates traditional-age students and adults in a Corps of Cadets and as civilians. Norwich offers a broad selection of traditional and distance-learning programs culminating in baccalaureate and graduate degrees. Norwich University was founded in 1819 by Captain Alden Partridge of the U.S. Army and is the oldest private military college in the United States of America. Norwich is one of our nation's six senior military colleges and the birthplace of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC).  www.norwich.edu