Graduate Student Spotlight | Krisztina Fabo

I am a graduate student in cybersecurity at Hood College, originally from Hungary, with an international background shaped by living and working across multiple countries and regions. Before transitioning into cybersecurity, I worked in economic policy and international development, including roles with the International Monetary Fund and leading humanitarian operations in Africa and Ukraine.
My path into cybersecurity is not traditional, but that is exactly what makes it meaningful to me—I bring a perspective shaped by real-world risk, decision-making under pressure and the importance of protecting people, not just systems.
 

Cybersecurity was not something I originally planned—it grew out of my experience working in complex and high-risk environments, particularly in conflict settings. In those roles, I became increasingly aware of how critical data security, risk management and information integrity are—not just for organizations, but for protecting vulnerable populations.

That realization led me to pursue formal training in cybersecurity. What particularly drew me in was the strategic side of the field—understanding risks, designing systems to mitigate them, and ensuring organizations operate securely and responsibly. Coming to the U.S. as an international student added another dimension to this journey, allowing me to build both technical skills and a global perspective.

My long-term goal is to work in governance, risk and compliance (GRC), helping organizations strengthen their security posture while aligning with regulatory and ethical standards. I am especially interested in the intersection of cybersecurity, policy and emerging technologies such as AI. I am passionate about risk management, data protection and building frameworks that help organizations make informed, responsible decisions. Ultimately, I want to contribute to environments where security is not just technical, but integrated into strategy and leadership.

Hood has provided a strong foundation through both theoretical and hands-on learning. The coursework has helped me build technical skills while also encouraging me to think critically about real-world applications. At the same time, what stood out from the very beginning was how welcoming and supportive the environment is. Moving to a new country and transitioning into a completely new field could have been overwhelming, but the process felt surprisingly smooth.

Professors and staff are very accessible—they know who you are, they genuinely care and they actively guide you. Whether it’s recommending career events, encouraging participation in cybersecurity competitions or simply checking in, you never feel like you are figuring things out alone. Beyond academics, there are many opportunities for growth through alumni panels, career fairs and community events. I also really value the human side of Hood—peer mentors who immediately make you feel supported and even open access to leadership, like the dean’s office hours.

Honestly, it wasn’t just one moment—it was how quickly everything started to feel right. I really enjoyed getting involved in cybersecurity challenges, especially with the Cyber Blazers, which are both competitive and fun. At the same time, experiences like the etiquette dinner and the alumni panel stood out in a completely different way—they helped me grow professionally and see what’s possible after graduation. From the first weeks, through classes, interactions and the community, I realized that choosing Hood was absolutely the right decision. The combination of academic challenge, support and community made that clear very early on.

You do not need to have everything figured out before you start. I did not come from a computer science background, and that made the decision feel intimidating at first. Also, moving to a new country and committing to a new path can feel overwhelming. But once you take that step, you are not alone. You will find support, guidance and people who genuinely want you to succeed. So if you are considering it, do not let uncertainty hold you back. You can figure things out along the way.

Inspired by Krisztina’s story? Ready to #GOFURTHER in your career? Learn more about Hood College's graduate programs, including the Master of Science in Cybersecurity.