Five Questions with a Recent MSIT Graduate

Tanyaradzwa Zisengwe (MSIT '25) joined a network of hundreds of IT professionals in December as she and her classmates became the newest members of Northwestern Engineering's Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT) program alumni community. 

Prior to walking across the stage, Tanyaradzwa took a few minutes to reflect on her MSIT experience and the lessons she learned during her time in the program.  

What about MSIT initially appealed to you? 

I was drawn to MSIT because of its unique balance of technical depth and leadership development, but also because it provided the opportunity to learn directly from industry-seasoned professors who are leading current technology trends, especially in areas like AI. The program offered the perfect environment to deepen my expertise, stay ahead of emerging technologies, and grow alongside peers with diverse professional backgrounds. 

What are the most important lessons you learned in the program? 

Some of the most important lessons I learned include: 

• How to translate technical challenges into business language that stakeholders and executives can act on. 

• The value of architectural thinking, including how to design scalable, secure, and resilient systems. 

• The importance of communication and leadership in technology, especially during high-pressure situations like incidents or major organizational changes. 

• A deeper understanding of how to responsibly incorporate AI into technology solutions, including its opportunities, risks, and the importance of aligning AI use with organizational goals and security requirements. 

How do you hope to apply those lessons to work after graduation? 

I plan to leverage my architectural thinking, communication skills, and knowledge about privacy laws and compliance to help organizations build secure, compliant, and resilient systems. I also want to contribute to the safe adoption of AI by ensuring its use aligns with security best practices and responsible governance. 

How else did MSIT prepare you for success after graduation? 

MSIT strengthened my ability to think holistically about technology technically, operationally, and strategically. I gained practical skills through hands-on projects, case studies, and exposure to faculty who are shaping emerging trends like AI. The program also taught me how to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and lead confidently in complex, evolving environments. 

What else would you like to say about your MSIT experience? 

I’m grateful for the strong sense of community within MSIT, the faculty, staff and my classmates who continuously inspired me. The program not only sharpened my technical and strategic capabilities, but also encouraged me to stay curious and adaptive as technology rapidly evolves. I’m excited to carry these lessons and relationships forward into the next chapter of my career.