Realising her childhood dream of pursuing a career with a purpose, our recent graduate in BSc (Hons) in Forensic Sciences and Criminal Investigation, Beatrice Usai recounts her experience with our Institution.

Since I was a child I have always dreamed of working in the security arena; investigation, crime prevention, and law enforcement have always fascinated me.

In 2018, researching online, I ran into a new Higher Education Institution, based in Malta that offered a comprehensive course in Criminalistics. Intrigued, I decided to attend the open day and I soon realized that its curriculum was exactly what I had always dreamed of: a thorough educational program that balanced live online learning with on-ground practical laboratories sessions aimed at professional training in the forensic sciences.

My experience at the European Forensic Institute was challenging: courses were entirely in English, required familiarity with scientific subjects, technology, and law, and it surely required flexibility and the ability to adapt.

It wasn’t easy for me to “go back to school” and study after a long time away from the books, but completing this Bachelor’s degree was one of my highest achievements and worth the time and investment.

During my first year of the program, I was quite sure that my future would have been in Crime Scene Investigation, but in the final year, thanks to Prof. Johnmichael O’Hare, Prof. Stephen Lerner, and Prof. Luca Cadonici, I discovered new passions that changed my future. They gave me the tools to connect the dots, creating a link between my passions, studies, and life experience.

After finishing my degree, I realized that more education and experience were necessary to get a proper foot in the door in the field of Intelligence. After much research, I found a Master of Arts in Strategic Intelligence and Analysis at Northeastern University (Boston), and I immediately realized that this would be the next step to get me closer to my dream career. The application process required much time and energy, but being accepted made the effort worth it.

In the meantime, I followed courses and training on negotiation, cyber fraud, and neurosciences, along with extensive work for personal growth to expand both soft and professional skills.

After the acceptance letter for the MA, I decided to focus on studying counterterrorism, human trafficking, national security, and intelligence. The idea of dedicating my future career to making a difference empowers me every day and helps me push my limits further ahead.

I am so lucky to have the chance to learn from FBI agents, law enforcement professionals, and successful attorneys with extensive experience. Not to mention the pleasure to discuss with classmates that are US Air Force Officials, members of the Intelligence Community, and security advisors at Capitol Hill.

I want to thank European Forensic Institute because it was a springboard that allowed me to start the future I dreamed of since I was 6 years old.

A heartfelt thanks to the professors that helped me outline my future and that supported me during the application process for my M.A.: Prof. L. Cadonici, Prof. S. Lerner, Prof. J. O’Hare, and Prof. R. Milne.

Congratulations and thank you for the lovely words, Beatrice! We wish you all the best in your future career.