A graduate of the Jindal School was recently appointed as the first commissioned cyber warfare officer in the U.S. Space Force.

Jessica Thompson, who graduated from JSOM with master’s degrees in both Business Administration and Information Technology and Management, was commissioned as a first lieutenant in the newest U.S. military branch.

As a Cyber Warfare Operations Officer, Thompson will command a Space Force crew and oversee cyberspace weapons systems. Shewill also assess intelligence information and maintain vigilance across all cyber channels — a task that is “a constant battle and 24/7 threat,” according to the Space Force.

“I am looking forward to continuing my military career while making a broader positive impact and being a part of an innovative new branch … to protect our nation’s systems in cyberspace,” Thompson said.

Thompson is a U.S. Air Force veteran and worked in the private banking sector after graduating from the Jindal School. While completing her master’s degrees, she also served as a teaching assistant and held two internships.

Thompson said she gained several skills during her time at the Jindal School that will directly correlate to her new role. “The more technical skills I learned in the ITM program will apply to my actual career field in cybersecurity,” she said, as she’ll be working directly with budgeting, operations management, and more. “I also learned a lot of followership, leadership, and other professional development skills from the help provided by JSOM’s MBA office.”

Lean into your interests, allow yourself to pivot. Do what’s best for you and don’t give up because you’re scared, you’ll fail. Follow your dreams, and they just might come true. – Thompson

Lisa Shatz, assistant dean and director of JSOM’s MBA programs, believes Thompson is emblematic of what the program looks for in its students.

“Grit and drive are attributes we seek out for our Full-Time MBA students,” Shatz said. “Jessica was not only smart as a whip but had a great background and great achievements as a veteran. She went through the program taking advantage of every opportunity and it was no surprise that she continues to shine.”

Thompson is currently attending Officer Training School, a nine-and-a-half-week program designed to prepare officers for their military careers.

Thompson’s advice for other Jindal students? “Lean into your interests, allow yourself to pivot,” she said. “Do what’s best for you and don’t give up because you’re scared, you’ll fail. Follow your dreams, and they just might come true.”