Computer Scientist
Shayna Wells
Education: BS, Computer Science, North Carolina A&T State University, 2007, MS, Computer Networking and Telecommunications, John Hopkins University, anticipated graduation fall 2010.
Shayna Wells says working for the government is not like you see in the movies. Besides being able to participate in various clubs, like softball, Wells says her NSA co-workers are friendly and impressive people who share the common goal of protecting the nation—a job which happens to come with great benefits and job stability.
How did you first become interested in working for the NSA?
I was in the NSA co-op program here during college. A recruiter came to my school and had an information session that I went to. I thought it would be an interesting job and I could get away from school for a little while, since it rotates every other semester. Before that, I hadn’t thought about working for the government, but computer science is a broad major that you can really go anywhere with. I completed my last tour my senior year, and when I was graduating I still had security clearance and experience with the agency, so I spoke with my team about the possibility of returning after graduation and luckily, they had an opening.
Has the job met your expectations?
Definitely. I really enjoy working here. In college I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do, but at the agency I’ve gotten to experience working in many departments. In November, I joined one of NSA’s developmental programs, which is a three-year, fulltime rotational program that offers the opportunity to diversify my career experience as a computer scientist.
What role do you play in making the NSA diverse?
I’m one of the many people who go on different recruiting trips to colleges as a technical recruiter and talk to students to give them insights about options they have at the agency. I really enjoy that. I’m able to talk to people of all different ethnicities with different beliefs and backgrounds. When I go on recruiting trips, I often go to my alma mater, so I’m able to connect with the students, because I’ve been where they are.
Why is diversity important at the NSA?
I think we wouldn’t be here without it. If everyone here was the same and thought the same way, there wouldn’t be any way for us to do our job. The security of our nation depends on us being able to predict future attacks, and we wouldn’t be able to do that if we all thought alike. We need people who think out of the box and can collaborate on different issues.
How does the NSA foster inclusiveness?
There are many different group programs, not only for minority groups but for people with any interest. We have BIG (Blacks In Government), FE W (Federally Employed Women), and even different sports groups. The agency really stresses having a work-life balance, which is important because the nature of what we do can sometimes be stressful, and everyone needs a break. It’s good we are able to hang out with colleagues and have something else in common other than work.
What was your most fun project at the NSA?
My most fun project was probably the first time I was able to be a team lead. I had no idea what I was doing, but it involved a complete system refresh on the hardware. It was definitely a learning experience, and the good part was I got to know a lot of co-workers through it.