iSchool alumus Christian Willis, MS’25, shares how human-centered cybersecurity led him to Walmart Global Tech — and why Arkansas BBQ is worth the hype (but he’ll always be a Badger).
When millions of people purchase from a Walmart or Sam’s Club each day, whether scanning items at self-checkout, paying at the register, or shopping online, few pause to consider the vast security systems behind the scenes keeping their information safe. Cybersecurity experts work to ensure that the systems customers rely on are not only fast and efficient, but secure. Among them is Christian Willis, MS’25, a self-described “proud iSchool alumnus,” whose career in cybersecurity now spans a global stage.
From the iSchool to Walmart Global Tech
After graduating from the Information School (iSchool) with a Master of Science in Information, Willis joined Walmart Global Tech in Bentonville, Arkansas, as a Risk Expert in the Information Security Division. His role is to identify weaknesses in complex systems, assess risk, and drive fixes before security vulnerabilities can be exploited by bad actors.
It’s work that requires both technical depth and the ability to see the broader, human-centered picture. In his day-to-day, Willis leverages AI-powered and enterprise-wide security tools, analyzes data, and translates technical findings into insights that help software engineers and other security teams understand impacts on users and business operations.
The scale of those impacts is enormous. As well as their online presence, Walmart and Sam’s Club together operate in 19 countries, with a staggering 270 million customers and members visiting almost 11,000 stores each week. In the high-traffic retail technology industry, cybersecurity directly affects people’s trust and safety. “It is our responsibility to protect consumer privacy and uphold Walmart’s mission to serve customers,” Willis explained.
A human-centered approach to cybersecurity
Willis credits much of the preparation for his role to the iSchool’s human-centered approach to cybersecurity. Rather than focusing solely on the technical aspects, the program emphasized the importance of understanding human factors in cybersecurity, through coursework on human-centered information security, information risk management, cyberpsychology, and data privacy:
The interdisciplinary focus of cybersecurity and human factors gave me the skills to have a more future-focused way of thinking about security to better safeguard information. The iSchool prepared me to understand not just how systems work, but how people interact with them, and how security decisions affect communities.
As a graduate student, Willis took on leadership roles in student organizations, including as co-president of TEDxUWMadison, VP of Design Interactive, lead organizer for the iSchool Cybersecurity Club, and iSchool MS orientation leader. With the iSchool’s support, Willis had also secured an information security internship at Kohl’s Headquarters in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin.
This drive paid off: Willis secured his full-time position at Walmart Global Tech immediately after graduation, launching his career at a Fortune #1 company.
But just as important was the sense of belonging and support Willis found along the way. “The University of Wisconsin–Madison gave me everything,” he reflected. “I couldn’t be more grateful to call the Badgers my family and alma mater.”
Opening doors for future talent
Willis is committed to supporting the next generation of information professionals. As a Walmart Campus Ambassador, he works closely with the early talent team to help recruit students for both internship and full-time opportunities and continues to have a close relationship with the iSchool by serving on the Alumni Board.
For Willis, it’s not all work, though: “Arkansas is known for its BBQ, and Wright’s Barbecue is one of my favorite spots. Arkansas is also heavy in Razorback culture, so it’s great to attend football and basketball games on weekends,” he says. “But fortunately, I will always be a Badger.”