Taking Advantage of ‘A Real Opportunity’

John Iatonna (MS ‘16) shares how the MSIT Part-Time program prepared him for his role as Chief Information Security Officer at Spencer Stuart

A major factor for many students who choose the part-time option of Northwestern Engineering’s Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT) program is the opportunity to learn at one of the nation’s most prestigious universities while still working full time. The students often times are able to apply the lessons they learn in the classroom to their everyday work life.

Beyond that, the opportunity to work alongside other professionals — as well as full-time MSIT students — allows students in the part-time program the chance to grow both personally and professionally.

John IatonnaThat was the case for John Iatonna (MS ‘16). Iatonna started the part-time MSIT program in 2014 while working as the Senior Vice President for Information Security, Governance and Risk at Edelman, a leading global communications marketing firm. In that role, he was responsible for managing all facets of information security and aligning information security strategy with business goals, among a host of other responsibilities.

Iatonna graduated from the program in 2016 and remained at Edelman for another year before being named Chief Information Security Officer at Spencer Stuart, a management consulting firm with 56 offices spread across 30 countries.

Iatonna shared how his time in the part-time program helped him grow and prepared him for where he is today.

Why did you decide to enroll in the MSIT PT Program?

​I knew I wanted to go back to school for my graduate degree, and I felt like the field is too crowded with MBAs. I work in tech and I wanted a balance of business and engineering. The structure and schedule of the program influenced my decision, too.

How do you see what you learned in the program influencing your daily work at Spencer Stuart?

​I learned to problem-solve differently and execute very efficiently. Most significantly, I learned that we are at the crux of a tremendously important point in the arc of technological evolution, and the MSIT program prepared me to take advantage of that.

Were there specific career development opportunities that you took advantage of as an MSIT student?

The Northwestern alumni network was a great resource when I finished the program and began looking for work.​

What did you enjoy most about your time in the program?

Between working full time and going to school part time, I realized I'm capable of a lot more work and output than I thought I was! I also made some good friends in the process.

What would you say to a prospective student who was considering enrolling in the MSIT PT program?

Make sure you're ready to be challenged, and make sure you understand the required balance between your work-life, your family-life and your academic-life. It's a tough [but fair] program and you'll be a stronger person for having completed it.

Is there anything else you'd like to add?

The MSIT program is a real opportunity. You finish the program as a strong professional with a degree from a top-tier school in a very hot field. ​Take advantage of it.

McCormick News Article