IPN Spotlight: Megan Jaffer (Task Force Lead/Strategist, Noblis NSP)
Megan Jaffer currently serves as a senior advisor to the President and Senior Management team of Noblis NSP, a defense and intelligence community contractor. As a key Strategist, Consultant, and Program Implementer, Megan works to streamline activities within Noblis NSP based on the priorities of the President and Senior Management. Megan has substantial experience in business analysis, strategic corporate communications, and managing program deliverables, as well as in budgeting, strategic planning, and change management. She has spent the bulk of her career in organizational leadership and outreach. In 2015, Megan co-founded a women in intelligence organization, which focuses on the development of professional women serving the US national security mission. Megan holds a B.A. in International Relations from DePaul University and an M.A. in Korean Studies from Yonsei University.
What skills have helped you in your career?
• Perseverance
• Hard-work
• Problem solving
• Connecting people
• Sincere listener
What do you wish you had known or done differently throughout your career?
I am thrilled at where I am in my career, however, there have been many lessons learned. I wish I would have worried less about the path I took and realized early on that you learn something from every good and bad experience in your career. Those experiences will help you be a better employee, student and/or leader in the future! I would have started networking much earlier in my career!
What do you do for continuing education and improvement?
I always try to identify one new subject matter or area of work in each job or organization I’m in that I am less familiar with and seek to get a more detailed level of knowledge on that topic. Part of that effort involves finding a mentor in that area and working with them to develop my skill set.
What is next for you in your career?
I want to continue to learn and be challenged. I look forward to helping others navigate their career paths.
My personal goal is to become a Chief Operating Officer for a defense/intelligence community contractor.
What advice would you offer to others?
Be honest with yourself and with those you work with. If you have a passion and know where you want to go with your career, never give up. A good leader knows their strengths and their weaknesses; and is not afraid to surround themselves with smart people.
Areas where you can help other Ismailis:
• Job placement
• Mentoring
• Making connections in the National Security space
• Sounding board
Please provide the link to your LinkedIn profile:
Megan Jaffer
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