Cybersecurity MBA students talk tech, business and policy in D.C.

With cybersecurity threats escalating globally and the rapid rise of AI reshaping policy debates, 24 students from the MBA in Cybersecurity Risk Management program at FIU Business traveled to Washington, D.C., last month for a high-impact residency focused on the intersection of technology, business and policy.

The immersive experience, built into the program’s cybersecurity resiliency course, offered students direct engagement with lawmakers, federal staffers and industry experts at events at the U.S. Capitol, the Institute of World Politics and an exclusive Axios panel sponsored by Visa.

The trip was developed by Jesus Arias, FIU Business assistant teaching professor of information systems and business analytics, who worked closely with FIU’s Jack D. Gordon Institute for Public Policy and the university’s D.C. office to bring the vision to life.

“We're preparing our students not just for today’s cybersecurity landscape, but for the threats and decisions shaping tomorrow,” said Arias. “They’re already positioned to be strong managers in the field. But here, they’re seeing where national policy is made and realizing that they can be part of that conversation.”

Throughout the visit, students met with congressional leaders and staffers, including California Rep. Eric Swalwell as well as legislative counsel from the office of Florida Rep. Carlos Giménez, and participated in panel discussions centered on AI regulation, cyber warfare and the national cybersecurity workforce gap. With more than 500,000 cybersecurity jobs currently unfilled in the U.S., Arias emphasized the importance of preparing graduates to step into both corporate and government-facing roles.

“The government is trying to work hand-in-hand with emerging tech like AI and quantum computing,” said Jasmine Restrepo-Gaitan, an MBA student and IT professional. “What surprised me most was realizing how much of cybersecurity depends not just on technology, but on human factors like psychology, operations, even diplomacy.”

Restrepo-Gaitan, who aims to become a chief information security officer, described the experience as insightful. She said hearing directly from government experts including former senators and current federal cybersecurity advisors solidified her goals and expanded her understanding of cybersecurity’s national and global stakes.

Fellow MBA student Matthew Brown, who works in IT, echoed that sentiment. “It was cool to see what’s happening at the top level, people shaping the future of cybersecurity and AI policy,” he said. “We even got to ask congressional staffers how they approach things like disaster recovery, which directly connects to what we’re doing in our classes.”

One of the highlights for students was attending a private Axios event where a sitting congressman discussed emerging cybersecurity risks tied to quantum computing and micro-transactions including how fraudsters siphon off small amounts of money from thousands of accounts. “It’s a reminder that cybercrime is evolving faster than most people realize,” Brown said.

But beyond coursework, Arias said, the trip was about building confidence and connections.

“Networking was a huge part of the experience,” Restrepo-Gaitan said. “At first, we thought it meant networking with each other. But Professor Arias made it clear ‘you’re here to meet decision-makers.’ And we did.”

Students passed out business cards, asked questions and envisioned themselves as future contributors to federal cybersecurity strategies.

“There’s a bravery in walking into a senator’s office and asking about quantum computing policy,” said Arias. “That’s what we want from our students, to see themselves as leaders, even in rooms that might feel intimidating.”

Restrepo-Gaitan said the visit helped demystify Washington and gave her confidence in pursuing roles that may one day blend IT expertise with public service.