Macquarie’s Master of Policing, Intelligence and Counter Terrorism with the Master of International Security Studies alumna, Sarah Iannantuono recently completed her double degree and has embarked on an exciting career with KPMG. Her role at KPMG is as a consultant in the Forensic Department where she undertakes a range of duties from active investigations to digital forensics.
To gain more insight into Sarah’s Macquarie experience, what she learnt and her pathway since graduating, we asked her a few questions.
Macquarie University was the only university I wanted to study my masters at due to its unique program in policing, intelligence and counter terrorism and international security studies. It allowed me to expand upon my bachelor studies in International relations through the Master of International Security Studies whilst also completing a Master of Policing, Intelligence and Counter Terrorism, where my interest lay.
This program is unique as it combines what other universities offer as single degrees such as counter terrorism or policing. Therefore, you get a strong grasp of overall security issues and how to combat them. When I researched the professors and the industry experience they possessed, I was sold on Macquarie and the course. This was one of the best decisions of my life.
The staff were brilliant at facilitating opportunities for students and were heavily invested in seeing students achieve. As part of my course I chose to undertake an internship. The staff helped me organise a six week internship at KPMG that turned into a ten week internship that turned into a job once I graduated!
A brilliant extracurricular activity that complemented my studies was the Global Leadership Program (GLP) that teaches you the skills to be a global leader. As part of the GLP I was lucky enough to go to the International Youth Leadership Conference in Prague where I met young leaders from around the world which helped increase my global network. I also got to participate in a mock International Criminal Court, a United Nations Security Council Meeting and European Parliament.
Every week I experienced interesting lessons coming from intelligent professors with vast industry experience. Additionally, the PICT Student Association is a great way to get involved with other students, providing extracurricular activities including scenario gaming and lectures. This diverse group of fellow students from different countries and career paths that join together to create an inclusive community that supports and mentors one another, was the overall highlight of my experience.
I found the practical assignments that align with what you would be tasked to do in a practical work environment have been highly valuable since graduating. Initially I hoped to get practical skills that would make me desirable to future employees. I achieved that – a job upon graduating and much more!
To gain more insight into Sarah’s Macquarie experience, what she learnt and her pathway since graduating, we asked her a few questions.
Why did you decide to undertake postgraduate studies in policing, intelligence, counter terrorism and international security?
Macquarie University was the only university I wanted to study my masters at due to its unique program in policing, intelligence and counter terrorism and international security studies. It allowed me to expand upon my bachelor studies in International relations through the Master of International Security Studies whilst also completing a Master of Policing, Intelligence and Counter Terrorism, where my interest lay.
Why did you choose Macquarie University for your studies?
This program is unique as it combines what other universities offer as single degrees such as counter terrorism or policing. Therefore, you get a strong grasp of overall security issues and how to combat them. When I researched the professors and the industry experience they possessed, I was sold on Macquarie and the course. This was one of the best decisions of my life.
What are some highlights about studying the Master of Policing, Intelligence and Counter Terrorism with the Master of International Security Studies that you would like to share with prospective students?
The staff were brilliant at facilitating opportunities for students and were heavily invested in seeing students achieve. As part of my course I chose to undertake an internship. The staff helped me organise a six week internship at KPMG that turned into a ten week internship that turned into a job once I graduated!
A brilliant extracurricular activity that complemented my studies was the Global Leadership Program (GLP) that teaches you the skills to be a global leader. As part of the GLP I was lucky enough to go to the International Youth Leadership Conference in Prague where I met young leaders from around the world which helped increase my global network. I also got to participate in a mock International Criminal Court, a United Nations Security Council Meeting and European Parliament.
Every week I experienced interesting lessons coming from intelligent professors with vast industry experience. Additionally, the PICT Student Association is a great way to get involved with other students, providing extracurricular activities including scenario gaming and lectures. This diverse group of fellow students from different countries and career paths that join together to create an inclusive community that supports and mentors one another, was the overall highlight of my experience.
How has what you learnt in your postgraduate studies helped you in your work and to achieve your professional goals?
I found the practical assignments that align with what you would be tasked to do in a practical work environment have been highly valuable since graduating. Initially I hoped to get practical skills that would make me desirable to future employees. I achieved that – a job upon graduating and much more!
