Name: Soo Tom
Job title/role: Program manager
Work location: McLean, VA
Years/months at Booz Allen: 17 years
Every day security threats hit federal agencies, forcing them to react quicker than ever before. Soo Tom, a Program Manager on the Continuous Diagnostics and Mitigation (CDM) team shares with us some insight about how she’s helping make a difference in the cybersecurity space and why Booz Allen is the place to do it.
How did you get started in your field?
I joined Booz Allen in 2001 through on-campus interviews at George Mason University where I was pursuing a degree in management information systems. Booz Allen was the ideal company, as it allowed me to utilize my degree in the best possible manner to support multiple government clients through exciting and innovative IT projects/programs.
Why did you join Booz Allen?
Booz Allen is regarded as one of the most prestigious and reputable consulting firms in the Washington metropolitan area. However, working with the most talented individuals, mission-driven projects, and limitless growth opportunities ensured I made the right choice. Every day presents an exciting and challenging opportunity to make a huge impact on the most critical issues facing our clients. Booz Allen provides a chance for folks to define and explore a true career, rather than a job.
Tell us more about the project you’re working on.
I am working on one of the largest cybersecurity programs in the history of the Federal Government to safeguard and protect more than 80 percent of the government’s networks from cyber attacks. As adversaries become more sophisticated in their attacks and the cyber landscape becomes more hostile, it is paramount to secure and strengthen the security posture of our most vulnerable networks. It is truly rewarding to realize that I am making a direct and measurable impact in addressing one of the most important issues facing our nation.
What is your proudest achievement at Booz Allen?
There are a few. One of the proudest moment was to see the CDM Field Guide come to fruition. It is so exciting to see something that you worked on for an entire year go from concept to a viable, tangible product that is shared across the entire firm. Another is when I was a values in practice recipient. It is such an honor to be recognized by you peers for demonstrating core values that I try to live by daily. Third is being part of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) and helping to plan the annual conference. As a professional female engineer, it is so exciting to network with other female engineers across the firm and the nation. It is one of our best recruiting grounds for finding and cultivating the next generation of talented engineers to lead the firm into the future.
How has Booz Allen empowered you and your career?
Booz Allen allows me to grow and develop in ways that I never imagined was possible. The pace at which the firm moves based on technology trends and political climate allows us to stay ahead of our competitors in delivering excellence in solution and services to our clients. The support I get from the firm and our leadership is unparalleled and the flexibility I receive allows me to have a rewarding career while also being a working mom.
