My Professional Edge - David Ampofo

David Ampofo
Information Systems Officer, United States Navy
Keller degrees: Master of Information Systems Management (MISM), Master of Project Management (MPM)

My career

In my position as Information Systems Officer, I am responsible for developing, implementing and managing processes and new technologies for US Navy Warrior Preparation Center exercises, as well as for information dissemination and security postures. I lead a team in performing system vulnerability assessments, penetration testing and host-based security auditing resulting in sound and secure networks. I conduct research on system vulnerabilities and develop mitigation and remediation strategies to address these concerns.

Austere challenge

My most significant accomplishment to date is demonstrating leadership and technical skills during Exercise Austere Challenge 06 for the US Armed Forces. The Admirals and the Joint Exercise Control Group actively needed a real-time video teleconferencing capability to communicate between ships, forward deployed forces, European Command, offices in Washington DC and other participating entities to disseminate information and provide critical battle rhythm.

At the time, most equipment deployed for accomplishing this communication feat were cumbersome, with different interfaces, and as such, impossible and ineffective to meet the goals of this exercise. I planned and directed a solution that enabled us to communicate and disseminate information with components effectively, securely, and in real time with less bandwidth consumption. I received a Joint Service Commendation Medal, November 2006 for exemplary leadership and technical skill exhibited during AC06.

Why Keller?

I selected Keller to acquire the leadership skills and the know-how necessary to determine and implement a company's goals in computer-related technologies. I also selected Keller because of the real-world experience professors bring to the curriculum. They emphasize how to plan, coordinate and direct the implementation, maintenance and upgrading of computer and information systems in any situation.

In addition, my experience with DeVry University, where I earned my bachelor's degree in Network and Communication Management, led me to select Keller. As an undergraduate, I had learned to manage innovations in software and architectures, information security, and network and database systems. Finally, the fact that I will earn my credentials from a trusted, regionally accredited university clinched the decision for me.

Teamwork, Keller style

The teamwork concept as practiced in Keller as well as real world experiences provided by most of our professors are my key takeaways from the Keller learning experience. For example, during the Exercise Austere Challenge 06, our team worked cohesively to come up with the best approach to resolve the real-time connectivity problem. My advantage was having real world experience and "think out of the box" concepts learned at Keller to guide me to resolve the issue with ease, resulting in a well-executed exercise

Teamwork is also important to me in my personal life. I head the Ghanaian Youth Leadership in Atlanta, a group dedicated to the development of leadership skills through various programming activities; my involvement amounts to 3,200 hours of voluntary work.

Career impact

The completion of my Keller master's degree program has benefited my career in asserting my role as a leader through the skills and knowledge assimilated from its curriculum. It has laid a foundation as to how best I can survive in any teamwork environment with confidence. It has opened other avenues due to its accreditation.

Keller increased and perfected my management skills in a technical environment as well as my operating efficiencies. Furthermore, it has given me the necessary tools to develop projects and communicate their value; outline performance objectives; determine task, budget and resource requirements; provide effective leadership; and promote an environment that motivates team members to acquire high-tech skills in this ever-changing Information Management environment.