MAY 10, 2024 — Conrad MacLennan Finos’ UTSA journey has been one of profound growth, built on a desire to make a global impact in society. An Austin native, he will graduate with his B.B.A. in Cyber Security this May from the Carlos Alvarez College of Business at UTSA. After he graduates in May, he will participate in an international internship in Panama as a representative of the U.S. Department of State. Then he’ll join the agency full-time in Washington, D.C. this fall as a diplomatic information specialist.
It is a career that Finos views as a perfect amalgamation of his skills and interests.
From a young age, the UTSA undergraduate was captivated by cybersecurity, sparked by an interaction with a cyber professional who introduced him to the industry. The discussion enlightened him about the pivotal role cybersecurity professionals play in safeguarding information in an era marked by rapid technological advancements.
“Our society’s shift toward technology means an increased risk of data theft, and it’s up to individuals like me to manage these threats,” Finos said.
The graduate’s choice to attend UTSA was a calculated one, influenced by the university’s top-ranked cybersecurity program and the strategic opportunities it offered close to home.
“UTSA was just far enough from Austin to push my boundaries,” he said.
As member of the UTSA Honors College, Finos made the most of his time at UTSA, pushing himself academically and getting involved in several on-campus organizations that shaped his leadership and community service ethos. He was active in the Student Government Association, the UTSA Volunteer Organization Involving Community, Education and Service and the Omega Delta Phi Fraternity. This participation helped him forge significant connections and contribute to the university community meaningfully.
A standout experience was his trip to Japan with the Honors College, which broadened his cultural horizons and deepened his respect for global traditions.
“I was blown away by how efficiently they live in Japan and their heightened affinity to nature. I will never forget the lavish meals and how cramped the spaces were being a six-foot, two-inch tall Texan,” Finos reflected. Trilingual in English, Spanish and Japanese, he was able to exercise his language skills overseas, furthering his appreciation for cultural exploration.
Finos’ practical experience in cybersecurity began in the summer of 2023 with an impactful internship with the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C., as part of a Foreign Affairs Information Technology Fellowship. Here, Finos experienced the working environment of a government institution powered by the strength of relationships with other countries, all while learning about the policies and procedures that the Department of State runs. This role provided him with invaluable insights into the operations of international relations and the importance of cybersecurity within governmental frameworks.
“It was an incredible opportunity to learn about the intricacies of diplomacy and the critical role technology plays,” he said.
Reflecting on his academic experience, Finos said he most values the relationships he built at UTSA.
“The connections I’ve made here are my greatest achievement,” he said.
Beyond his career with the State Department, Finos aspires to further his education and eventually venture into the private sector to explore innovations in virtual and augmented reality.
As Finos sets his sights on the future, his evolution has come full circle, from an inquisitive young student to a cybersecurity expert ready to influence the world.
To current and future UTSA students, Finos offers advice rooted in his own experiences.
“Utilize the resources available to you, from academic help to mental health support,” he said. “Balancing your well-being with academic and professional pursuits is key to not just surviving but thriving in college.”
UTSA Today is produced by University Communications and Marketing, the official news source of The University of Texas at San Antonio. Send your feedback to news@utsa.edu. Keep up-to-date on UTSA news by visiting UTSA Today. Connect with UTSA online at Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and Instagram.
Meet representatives from 80+ law schools and learn about law school programs, admission requirements, financing, scholarship opportunities.
Denman Room (SU 2.01.28) and Galleria, Student UnionHave questions about making your OER accessible on UTSA Pressbooks? The OER Team and the Digital Accessibility Team are ready to answer them! Bring your questions about OER and accessibility and receive guidance from our two teams.
Virtual EventUpon completion of this workshop, attendees will be able to: explain the history of Creative Commons, summarize the role of copyright law in the creation of Creative Commons, differentiate between different CC icons, identify the different layers and elements of CC licenses and tools, and list factors to consider when choosing a license for your project.
Virtual EventJoin UTSA Librarians for this introductory workshop for early career faculty on how to build your online scholarly identity. We will discuss how to set up author profiles as well as find existing and emerging metrics for measuring research impact, including Impact Factor, Altmetrics, and beyond.
Virtual EventThis workshop explores the intersection of digital activism, data collection, and visualization techniques in the context of gender-based violence and feminist movements. Participants will learn how to harness the power of GraphCommons to create impactful visualizations that can amplify marginalized voices and reveal hidden patterns in complex social issues.
CEDISH Co-Lab 3.02.38, 3rd Floor, John Peace LibraryHave questions about making your OER accessible on UTSA Pressbooks? The OER Team and the Digital Accessibility Team are ready to answer them! Please bring your questions about OER and accessibility and receive guidance from our two teams.
Virtual EventThe University of Texas at San Antonio is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through research and discovery, teaching and learning, community engagement and public service. As an institution of access and excellence, UTSA embraces multicultural traditions and serves as a center for intellectual and creative resources as well as a catalyst for socioeconomic development and the commercialization of intellectual property - for Texas, the nation and the world.
To be a premier public research university, providing access to educational excellence and preparing citizen leaders for the global environment.
We encourage an environment of dialogue and discovery, where integrity, excellence, inclusiveness, respect, collaboration and innovation are fostered.
UTSA is a proud Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) as designated by the U.S. Department of Education .
The University of Texas at San Antonio, a Hispanic Serving Institution situated in a global city that has been a crossroads of peoples and cultures for centuries, values diversity and inclusion in all aspects of university life. As an institution expressly founded to advance the education of Mexican Americans and other underserved communities, our university is committed to promoting access for all. UTSA, a premier public research university, fosters academic excellence through a community of dialogue, discovery and innovation that embraces the uniqueness of each voice.