Student Organization Spotlight: JMU Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA)

Among the many international organizations that maintain chapters at James Madison University, one stands out in the Department of Integrated Science and Technology (ISAT). The JMU Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA) is one chapter of the international AFCEA organization. The mission of the AFCEA, according to the organization’s website (http://www.afcea.org/mvc.asp), is “increasing knowledge through the exploration of issues relevant to its members in information technology, communications, and electronics for the defense, homeland security and intelligence communities.”

On the university level, the JMU chapter focuses on making students aware of both the public and private sector opportunities in intelligence, technology, business, consulting, and more. According to Allison Beich, a senior Intelligence Analysis major with a minor in Geographic Science and president of the JMU AFCEA chapter, “Our student chapter plays a role in this by bridging the gap between students in academia and these industries listed in the mission statement.”

JMU AFCEA focuses on connecting students with speakers from these different industries to provide a larger picture of the intelligence field. “We have had people come and talk from the National Security field from places such as FBI, NGA, Former ODNI employee, CIA, defense contractors, etc. as well as business related speakers from Intel, Microsoft, etc.” said Beich. The chapter has many contacts, and the speakers are decided based on the members’ interests. This provides great networking opportunities. In addition, JMU AFCEA also hosts Career Academy Series workshops, which provide hands-on experience to develop professional skills such as writing resumes, interviewing, and job searching.

The chapter meets once a month on Mondays at 8:00 p.m. in the ISAT/HHS building. The meeting is dedicated to discussing upcoming events on a national level hosted by the larger AFCEA organization, as well as other events involving intelligence. In addition, the meeting focuses on events on the campus level, such upcoming as speakers and Career Academy Series workshops.

Anyone can join JMU AFCEA, regardless of major. Beyond practical skills and connections, members of JMU AFCEA receive a subscription to AFCEA International’s Signal Magazine, which provides even more resources and news about opportunities in the intelligence field. Members also receive invitations to events hosted by Young AFCEANs, an outreach program for young professionals in the field. Finally, according to Beich, “Employers know about AFCEA and may be a member already, so having this on your resume really makes you stand out.”

JMU AFCEA focuses on building its members’ skills and opportunities, but this doesn’t keep the chapter from giving back to the Harrisonburg community. “Even though this is a professional development club, we also like to have fun and help out the community,” said Beich. One particular example is the chapter’s Community Outreach Event for students in Harrisonburg High School. A committee from JMU AFCEA puts together critical thinking exercises for the students to complete and teaches methods of analysis. “It is a great way to reach out and educate young future college students of the topic of IA,” said Beich.

For more information, be sure to check out JMU AFCEA’s Be Involved webpage (https://beinvolved.jmu.edu/organization/jmuafcea) or contact the organization through their email (jmuafcea@gmail.com). To join the JMU chapter of AFCEA, register through the AFCEA website (http://www.afcea.org/membership/individual.asp#tab3). The membership fee is $15.

By Stephen Roddewig ('18) JMU CISE
Published October 5, 2015