Employee Spotlight: McKinley
 
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DIA Officer McKinley

In 2019, McKinley was a DIA intern. Today, she has "the ability to provide senior executives with the data needed to make informed, data-driven decisions in a timely manner." Below, she describes her DIA journey to date.

Q&A WITH McKINLEY

Q1: How long have you worked for DIA and what do you do in your current role?

I started at the Defense Intelligence Agency in 2019 as an intern through the Department of Defense Scientific Mathematics and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship Program. Following graduation from university, I transitioned to a full-time position in the Chief Information Office’s Cyber & Security Division. In my current role, I focus on securing applications and systems deployed across DIA’s networks.

Q2: What keeps you at DIA?

I remain because it offers the unique opportunity to work an impactful mission with a group of dedicated personnel, sharing a common goal of protecting our nation. Finding solutions to complex challenges, while meeting the speed-to-mission, fosters a dynamic work environment that I find both intellectually stimulating and personally rewarding.

Q3: What do you find most fulfilling about your job?

The most fulfilling aspects of my job include the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse group of people, which allows for a rich exchange of ideas and perspectives. I find great satisfaction in knowing that my efforts contribute to the mission impact, making a tangible difference in the work we do. The challenges that come with the job push me to grow professionally and personally, providing a continuous journey of learning and improvement.

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Q4: What would people be surprised to know about your career path, or what it’s like to work for a combat support agency/the U.S. intelligence community?

As a college student, the agency selected me through the DoD SMART Scholarship Program. Prior to being the DIA scholar selectee, I did not know of DIA. Through that program, the government fully funded my education in exchange for me to fulfill my service commitment. What's even more interesting is that everything I need to know for my role was learned on the job, a testament to the hands-on, immersive experience that working for the U.S. intelligence community provides. The practical knowledge and skills I've acquired through my work far surpass what traditional schooling could offer, highlighting the unique and enriching nature of my career journey.

Q5: How do you really know you’re making a difference?

I can truly sense the impact of my work when I see different operational groups come together, ensuring essential functions are executed efficiently. The reduction in the time to deploy new technologies is a measurable outcome that signifies progress and innovation. Additionally, the ability to provide senior executives with the data needed to make informed, data-driven decisions in a timely manner is a clear testament to the effectiveness and influence of my contributions.

“The Intelligence Community provides the United States and its allies and partners with unmatched decision advantage over adversaries. As an information-driven enterprise, infrastructure underpins success.”
-Vision for the IC Information Environment,
Office of the Director of National Intelligence, May 2024