Having spent almost three decades working across defense, intelligence, and enterprise technology, including roles with organizations like Lockheed Martin, SAIC, Northrop Grumman, and Microsoft, Jamal Wade has seen plenty of changes in his field. Today, as a Senior Test Automation Engineer 3 at Booz Allen Hamilton, he focuses on change where it’s playing out daily, in real time: digital transformation and artificial intelligence. But even with his extensive experience, he still saw a gap in his skill set.
“I knew I wanted a master’s degree with an IT focus,” Wade says. “But I also wanted the executive administration side, usually what an MBA delivers. MSMIT is that blend of both.”
That combination of management and tech has reshaped how he approaches his work. Wade leads engineering efforts centered on test automation in high-security environments, ensuring complex systems perform as intended. But technical execution is only part of the job. Increasingly, success depends on how well he can connect that work to outcomes that matter for clients.
“What I’m getting from the program that’s been so valuable is those executive conversations,” he says. “How can I best explain to my clients why we’re doing what we’re doing, and why it matters?”
The MSMIT program has helped him shift from purely technical thinking to communicating business value, a mindset that was reinforced early and often throughout the curriculum.
“It’s not about just geeking out on the technology, but being able to share its purpose simply,” he says. “For example, how would I explain this to my parents? That simplicity really stuck with me.”
In the innovative grad program’s coursework, Wade moves between deep technical discussions and collaborations with classmates who bring business perspectives from industries like finance, consulting, and the public sector.
“We’re not just learning from the professors, but from each other,” he says. “Everyone brings a different lens, and that’s been excellent.”
Those interactions have sharpened his leadership style. Working across diverse perspectives has strengthened his ability to communicate with both engineers and stakeholders, something he uses daily at Booz Allen. It has also pushed him to think more broadly about how technology decisions are made and justified.
Jamal Wade (M.S. in MIT ’26), Professor Stefano Grazioli, Booz Allen Principal Jessica Reinhardt (M.S. in MIT ’19), and Booz Allen Lead Associate Franz Lopez (M.S. in MIT ’26). Reinhardt served as the Module 3 Panel Executive for Wade’s team.
The impact is already clear in his work. Wade points to projects where program concepts have influenced decisions, from agile processes to early user engagement and iterative delivery.
“We opened up a system to users when it was only about 20-30% ready,” he says. “MSMIT’s shown me how to deliver value right away and quickly learn from feedback, instead of waiting until everything is perfect.”
The program has also expanded his role beyond technical delivery into strategy and client engagement, an area he had long wanted to grow into.
“This is giving me real experience to have those conversations myself,” he says. “I can now say I want to be in front of the client, to pitch solutions and explain the value.”
MSMIT Class of 2026 Module 3, Team 2 members Chandrashekar Krishnan, Jamal Wade, Trey Huelskamp, Chris VanSice, and Marie Bethel after their presentation
Balancing the program with a full-time job and family life has been demanding, especially with the program’s accelerated pace and heavy workload.
“It is rigorous,” Wade says. “You need discipline. It takes real time management.”
Still, he sees the challenge as extremely worthwhile. With his career at a turning point, the program is helping him align technical expertise with business strategy and prepare for the next phase of leadership.
“The world is changing rapidly,” Wade says. “You have to keep learning and stay flexible. This program is helping me do exactly that.”
