Homeland Security Major’s Elite Internship Gets Her Closer to a Dream Career

Jacques-Alice Auguste (’23) came to Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University to prepare herself for a career in the critical and rapidly growing field of homeland security. And she has not been disappointed with her journey so far.

Described as a standout in “critical thinking, work habits and attention to detail,” Jacques-Alice was chosen for a prime internship opportunity with the Beyond the Horizon International Strategic Studies Group last summer, a virtual position that allowed her to take part in research that ties in with the think tank’s mission to promote global peace through security.

“The internship was great,” said Jacques-Alice, who is now living in Virginia as she continues working toward her B.S. in Homeland Security at the Worldwide Campus. “I was a research intern who had the opportunity to work with many kind and supportive people and it widened my scope on international migratory conflicts.”

What is a B.S. in Homeland Security Degree at Embry‑Riddle?

Embry‑Riddle’s Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security degree program, one of the very first in the nation, empowers its graduates with the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to be successful throughout the homeland security enterprise.

It provides students with a foundation in security and a solid core of homeland security-related courses, along with University General Education requirements.

Students can specialize their bachelor’s degree by selecting two minors or selecting one minor and one “coherent block of study” from transferred military credits, FAA licenses or approved college credits.

Worldwide Campus Offers Variety, Flexibility

Jacques-Alice was living in Spain with her husband, who is serving in the Navy, when she initially decided to attend Embry‑Riddle.

“It was one of the universities with an office on base offering a variety of bachelor's degrees in Spain,” she said. “After evaluating the programs, Embry‑Riddle was most attractive to me.”

The think tank internship came about thanks in large part to Assistant Professor Cihan Aydiner, the program chair for the B.S. in Homeland Security at the Worldwide Campus.

“We see internships as professional development,” Aydiner said. “I thought Jacques-Alice would be a great fit because she's bilingual and knows English and French very well. And she's interested in these kinds of geopolitical topics. I tell all my students about internship positions, and I sent a personal email to Jacques-Alice for this specific position because I felt she would be able to apply her understanding throughout the coursework to real-world issues that are studied by Beyond the Horizon.”

Why Choose Embry‑Riddle For a Homeland Security Degree?

Between the academic foundation and the hands-on experience, Jacques-Alice feels good about the direction she is heading thanks to Embry‑Riddle, her instructors and her fellow students.

“I have learned much and had some informational exchanges with my peers,” she said. “I can now identify our nation's many threats and vulnerabilities, whether physical or cyber-related, and I understand the safety and compliance measures needed to meet them.”

As she looks ahead, Jacques-Alice is excited about the possibilities her degree will open up for her.

“My goal is to fulfill the 4+1 program and hopefully find employment in my field to begin contributing after graduation,” she said. “I eagerly anticipate what the future has in store for me.”