Securing Success: Ian Hill (MET’19) Applies BU MET Lessons in Information Security on the Job
Ian Hill (MET’19)Information Security & Privacy Cloud Analyst, Partners HealthCare
MS, Computer Information Systems; Concentration, Security; Graduate Certificate, Information Security
This interview was originally published in 2019. Ian has since accepted the position of Sr. Information Security Engineer at The Baupost Group.
What compelled you to return to school and pursue a graduate education? What is your long-term objective?
I attended graduate school directly after my undergraduate study. I wanted a change of direction for my master’s degree, compared to my undergraduate focus of criminology, Spanish, and sociology. BU offers a variety of programs that focus on cyber security. My long-term objective is to land a role as chief information security officer (CISO) for a large enterprise.
Why did you choose BU MET for your graduate studies? What set MET apart from other programs you were considering?
Class diversity, recognition from the NSA and Department of Homeland Security, one-year completion ability, and MET’s small community in a big city and big school! Also, the diversity and background of professors, the ability to work for the college, and the opportunity to take classes at night.
Is there a particular faculty member from your courses who enhanced your experience at BU MET? Who and why?
Professor Ed Matthews demonstrated unparalleled industry knowledge of security topics. He teaches multiple classes, so I was able to take Network Security (MET CS 690) and Database Design and Implementation for Business (MET CS 669) with him.
Also, Professor Scott Arena, whose enthusiasm to teach was second to none. The first class of my graduate program was with him, and his energy set the tone for my master’s program. Being newly retired after 25–30 years at Verizon Lab speaks for itself. His industry knowledge and ability to take complicated topics and simplify them allowed me to excel throughout my program. I took Digital Forensics and Investigations (MET CS 693) and Business Data Communication and Networks (MET CS 625) with him.
How do you apply concepts you learned in your courses in your current job?
My job is extremely diverse, it involves risk management, security policy and procedure development, vendor reviews, network security, and enterprise security as a whole. These are all subjects that I took directly at BU MET with professors who are experienced and elevated within their fields. I was not only able to gain more knowledge, but my security insight matured to a level that I thought unachievable prior to entering my master’s program. All of the topics covered in my program I used in my job interviews, and in my job. Best choice I made.
What were key contributions to your success?
MET IT was a huge part of my success at BU. My director, manager, and team members deserve a lot of credit. They helped me transition to the big school environment coming from a small liberal arts college for undergrad. Not only did MET IT help me with their kindness, friendship, and knowledge, but so did the faculty and staff that I worked with in my graduate assistantship. I gained lifelong mentors and friends at MET while attending a school with 30,000 students. BU MET made me feel at home while setting me up for my dream career.
Published February 2025