Inspiring the next generation of public servants in international security

Melissa Riordan ’18

John S. McCain Strategic Defense Fellow, U.S. Department of Defense

Major: IT Management

While a student at Notre Dame, Melissa Riordan ’18 found herself pursuing experiences that planted the first seeds of a career in public service. After participating in a Student International Business Council (SIBC) consulting project with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and spending a semester in Washington, D.C. through Notre Dame’s Washington Program, Riordan found her passion for government work.

Following her Notre Dame graduation, Riordan began her professional career at Booz Allen, where she spent several years working at the Pentagon conducting policy and political-military analysis for senior leaders. During her time at Booz Allen, Riordan volunteered as a mentor for the Summer Games internship program and supported Booz Allen’s university recruiting efforts at Notre Dame. While working full-time, Riordan earned her masters degree in international security at Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service.

In 2022, Riordan was selected for the U.S. Department of Defense’s prestigious John S. McCain Strategic Defense Fellowship, a one-year civilian assignment designed to provide leadership development for the commencement of a career track toward senior leadership within the Department of Defense. As a McCain Fellow, Riordan works for the Department of the Army’s Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence as a Strategic Planner. 

Despite the demands of a career in national security, Riordan has played a key role in giving back to the programs that first inspired her to aim high in her career aspirations. Each semester, Riordan mentors current Notre Dame students in both the SIBC and Washington Program, offering them advice on the internship search and application process. She also conducts a policy visit each semester with the Washington Program, sharing her experiences at both Booz Allen and her fellowship to encourage and inform students about the opportunities that await them after graduation. Riordan also assists current Georgetown students as they navigate the application and interview processes for federal fellowship programs.

In her personal and professional life, Riordan works to serve a mission greater than herself and inspire the next generation of public servants. After completing her year as a McCain Fellow, Riordan intends to continue working for the Department of Defense.