MSc student story: Rachel Giachinta

Pursuing a degree as a working professional

An anthropologist by background, Rachel Giachinta is studying the MSc Security and Resilience: Science and Technology course part-time whilst working as a Decision Analyst.

From full-time work to part-time study 

I’m currently a Decision Analyst at an American, federally funded research and development centre (FFRDC) which provides expertise to US government agencies in industries including aviation, defence and cybersecurity. 

Since starting, I’ve found one of my key strengths is effectively liaising between programme leadership and technical teams to inform strategy and decision making. Within our international portfolio, I have utilised these skills in our international collaborations, identifying problems other nations are experiencing and spearheading solutions. 

Having grown up close to Washington DC, and seeing firsthand the impact of international relations in the workplace, it feels quite natural that I’ve decided to dive into the academic theory of global security. To me, it also makes sense to study this outside of my home country and immerse myself in diverse, international perspectives. I really like that our professors at Imperial offer a critical lens – as students, we should be primed to challenge the status quo. 

Despite working part-time, holding down a student schedule and responsibilities have proved to be more than manageable. I still have a great deal of time to maintain a social life and personal passions. For me, this balance has enabled me to have it all - working, living, and learning - without compromising the quality of my life. 

Learning and applying security and resilience principles 

People tend to think that security and resilience are the responsibility of governments. However, I would say that private companies and other organisations also have obligations to their customers, wider society, the environment and other stakeholders with regards to security and resilience. It’s important for more of us to be able to implement these practices across society to build resilient communities and nations. 

Imperial’s Security and Resilience: Science and Technology programme offers those from non-STEM backgrounds, like me, the opportunity to go ‘waist-deep’ into the technical aspects. In many career paths, you don’t need a PhD-thesis level of knowledge. For me, this depth will improve my ability provide digestible and high-quality insights to senior business leaders. 

The course also impresses on us the significance of human behaviour in security and resilience. As a humanities graduate, I came into the course with a strong understanding of this but it’s great to see my peers from STEM backgrounds appreciating it too! 

To anyone thinking of studying security and resilience 

I think it’s really useful to have a ‘why’ when considering this course. In my opinion, a master’s degree gives you the time to refine your niche – so, going into the course with a ‘specialism’ in mind will give you something tangible to relate your learning to and a goal to work towards. 

It's an amazing opportunity to be exposed to extremely knowledgeable professors and course mates. I’d also say that making the most of this, and getting to know the people you’re learning from and with, is a such a force multiplier. 

It's a truly interdisciplinary course so you should make the most of the breadth of teaching and modules on offer. Coming in as someone from a non-science background, I’d tell others in the same boat not to be afraid. You might start a module with absolutely no knowledge of the topic or concepts, but you’ll be surprised at how confident and fluent you’ll be in the area in a space of a few weeks. You’ll be able to talk to experts in the field with ease and even impress them provided you get your head down and make the effort to learn!