Pivoting to a Secure Future with an Master of Science in Information Systems
Alik Assi is using his MSIS to protect corporate clients—and his country
A neuroscience degree is not the typical qualification of a cyber security expert. But when you combine it with a Master of Science in Information Systems, you have a unique blend of skills and knowledge that can propel you into a rewarding career.
Alik Assi (MS 2024) has a sharp intellect that could be applied in any number of fields. He originally planned to pursue a career in medicine, and he excelled in premed classes as an undergraduate.
“I was able to shadow some surgeries, which was fascinating. But it made me realize that it wasn’t something I wanted to spend the rest of my life doing,” he recalls. “It’s a field you need to be passionate about. While I enjoyed it, it wasn’t something I wanted to be my career.”
Instead, Assi began forging a different path. He was increasingly excited about technology and wanted to pursue an education in the industry. He had impressive credentials but in an entirely different field, which presented an obstacle.
MSIS Accelerate provided foundation skills
“Knowing programming languages is a prerequisite for information technology programs. And my experience was in neuroscience research,” he says. “I wasn’t sure how to proceed. Then I found the MSIS Accelerate program at Foster, which is tailored for people like me.”
The Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS) Accelerate program at the Foster School of Business is specifically designed to provide people from outside the technology world with the foundational skills necessary for a graduate-level computer science program. The program, which is offered on the University of Washington campus in Seattle, takes places during the 11-week Spring quarter, students sharpen their technical skills through coursework in Python, SQL, and data-networking. Students benefit from small classes taught by dedicated information systems faculty and industry practitioners.
“Once I completed MSIS Accelerate classes, I had a strong foundation in coding, databases, and security to a point where I could be competitive in the full program,” Assi says

While in the program, Assi studied several aspects of information systems, including a memorable AI class taught by Professor Léonard Boussioux. The area that most resonated with him was cybersecurity.
“There are so many different aspects,” he says of the work. “From the technical to the human elements. And there’s always something new. That’s what keeps it exciting.”
Today, Assi works at Concentric, one of the industry’s preeminent security and intelligence firms. He is embedded with one of the company’s customers, helping manage the technical security of high-profile clients, though he isn’t at liberty to disclose specific names.
Assi also credits Foster—specifically the team at the EY Center for Career Advancement—with playing an essential role in landing the job. “I did three interviews [at Concentric] within a week,” he says. “The practice and mock interviews I had done with Foster career services made me feel much more prepared and boosted my confidence.”
A Foster connection leads Assi to the National Guard
For the next chapter of Assi’s career, he will be an officer in the National Guard. He will be attending Officer School next year.
Assi says he has had a lifelong aspiration of serving his country, and a Foster connection facilitated his enlistment.
“It was through a fellow MSIS alumni that I found this path. I’ve always wanted to serve my country somehow, but I was never sure how I would do it while working full-time. I met an MSIS alumni in a leadership course, and he became a mentor to me. He’s in the Washington National Guard and explained how I can do both.”

He ships out on February 11 to Fort Jackson in South Carolina for basic training. The physically demanding training is a Guard requirement for officers and enlisted personnel alike, regardless of in what capacity they will serve.
Basic training can be an intimidating prospect. But Assi is in good physical condition and is looking forward to the experience. “I like the physical aspect of it,” he says. “I’ve talked to many people who have gone through boot camp. Sure, it will be challenging. But I am excited for it.”
Cybersecurity deployments at home and abroad
Upon completing the Basic Officer Leadership Course, Assi will bring his cybersecurity skills from work and school to a new arena. He’ll be a Cyber Warfare Officer specializing in offensive and defensive security tactics.
The National Guard is best known for its role in national disaster relief and supporting local law enforcement in times of crisis. Yet its purview is broader than many realize. The National Guard helped with election cybersecurity abroad, says Assi. As a Cyber Warfare Officer, he can volunteer for specific cybersecurity-related deployments while maintaining his position at Concentric.
For Assi, this represents an opportunity to grow his skills further and continue what he views as a natural progression from school to work to service.
“There is no chance I’d be in this position without the Foster MSIS,” he concludes. “In this field, things evolve so quickly. But no matter what tools you are using, there are always certain broad concepts like business continuity and incident response best practices that I learned in school that I can apply. So now I can take those and apply them wherever most needed.”

Learn more about the Master of Science in Information Systems program.