From Education to Expertise: Matt Fiedler
This series spotlights the careers of recent alumni from graduate programs in the School of Engineering.
Like many new graduates facing today’s job market, Tufts alumnus Matt Fiedler, A21, F22, EG22, wanted to distinguish himself. Following an undergraduate degree in computer science, he enrolled in Tufts University’s Master’s in Cybersecurity and Public Policy program. Now, he works on the frontline of protecting consumers against cyberattacks. As a senior data scientist on the cyber analytics team at Mastercard, he collaborates with other data professionals to safeguard customer data and prevent cybercrime.
While Fiedler’s undergraduate degree gave him a strong technical foundation, he wanted to develop a niche that would take his career a step further. Inspired by the healthcare and education professionals in his family, Fiedler felt drawn to a career where he could put his skills to use in a socially impactful way. When it came time to choose a master’s program, the decision felt obvious. “Choosing Tufts was incredibly easy. I was fortunate enough to spend my undergraduate years there, and the transition from undergraduate to graduate studies felt seamless,” he said.
Hands-on coursework throughout the master’s program gave Fiedler an advantage over peers in the industry. For example, in a Cyber for Future Policymakers class, Fiedler and classmates practiced writing technical briefings for policymakers. Now, he uses the same techniques to communicate complex information to stakeholders at Mastercard. “I was able to step in as a security expert from day one, which effectively positioned me as a leader early in my career. That experience has propelled my career in ways I’m incredibly grateful to Tufts for,” he shared.
His time at Tufts built the confidence he needed to venture into the world of cybersecurity. “There’s a lot of imposter syndrome in computer science, and I think there’s even more when you try to step outside the field and expand your breadth,” Fiedler admitted. He sought out a graduate program that would help him combat this imposter syndrome and grow into an in-demand area. “I’m not sure I would have taken on a field as complex and intimidating as cybersecurity without this master’s program.”
The program’s interdisciplinary approach equipped Fiedler with the skills to bridge the gap between the technical world of data and the demands of the business world. “The most important skill I gained was the ability to confidently speak about technology, not just build it. In tech, there’s often a communication gap: engineers deeply understand how products are created but struggle to explain them, while product managers and sales teams understand the high-level value but not the technical foundations,” he said.
The Master’s in Cybersecurity and Public Policy program is run jointly between the School of Engineering and The Fletcher School, which focuses on global affairs. “This [cybersecurity and public policy] program is unique in how it approaches cybersecurity from multiple perspectives. There’s value in studying policy alone or security strictly from an engineering standpoint but studying both together, across the two schools, gave me a truly holistic view of the field,” said Fiedler.
The School of Engineering recently expanded its cybersecurity-related offerings to open more pathways for students and working professionals. The new Master’s in Cybersecurity program combines rigorous technical training with an understanding of the ethical and social dimensions of cybersecurity. In conjunction with the new master’s program, the Department of Computer Science also launched a Certificate in Cybersecurity as an on-ramp for those interested in building expertise in the field. Other options include the post-baccalaureate certificate in computer science, offered in-person or online, which prepares students from other industries to enter graduate-level programs in computer science or cybersecurity.
Fiedler has found his place in the cybersecurity world and feels energized by its interdisciplinary approach and potential to do good. “I expect to spend my entire career in cybersecurity without ever getting bored. It’s a field that allows you to engage with technical, policy, and human-centered challenges all at once,” he said. His day-to-day at Mastercard comes with rewarding moments protecting consumers from data breaches and identity theft.
He credits Tufts with playing a formative role in his journey: “This program has had an unbelievable impact on my career so far. Not only did it allow me to become a subject matter expert in cybersecurity, but it also gave me the confidence to pursue new ventures I likely wouldn’t have considered otherwise.”
Interested in learning more about graduate programs in the School of Engineering? Request information or apply now.