Harrison Beiser – Internet Investigator
From Potomac, Maryland. Recently moved to Washington, DC.
I joined BSA | The Software Alliance in June 2022. Previously, I spent a year working as a Fraud Specialist at ID.me on their Member Support team, where I investigated cases of identity theft within their member network.
I graduated from Northeastern University with a bachelor’s degree, majoring in international affairs and minoring in law/public policy and history. Through Northeastern’s Co-op program, I was an Events Assistant at the MIT Energy Initiative and a Counterterrorism Intern at INTERPOL Washington.
What attracted you to work at BSA?
Definitely the culture! As someone who has worked in a tech company before, BSA’s tech-like culture and benefits won me over. My last position involved working non-traditional hours due to a 24-7 customer service operation, so I was looking for a change. BSA’s focus on personal well-being was attractive during my job search and is something that I still appreciate today. I especially enjoy our monthly Mental Health Day benefit.
What’s the most unique part about working at BSA?
Working with people from well-known software companies all around the world. As an Internet Investigator, my job is to stop the unauthorized sale of our members’ software online. We can only do this successfully through our relationships with our members and really being in tune with their brands and products.
What advice can you give someone who just started their career/wants to pursue a similar career?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions and get clarification if you’re unsure about something. I think there’s a stigma around doing this for many people, but it really is the opposite. It shows that you care about the quality of your work, and getting a second opinion often proves valuable.
Tell us one fun fact about you (that might surprise your colleagues).
I am my family’s genealogist (albeit, self-proclaimed)! For about 10 years, I have been fascinated with my family history and built a family tree with over 2,500 people, connecting with some distant cousins along the way.
What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
Van Leeuwen’s non-dairy banana bread pudding with fudge swirls is my current favorite. It’s melt-in-your-mouth smooth, and the combination of bananas, bread pudding, and chocolate is top-tier.
If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be and why?
He’s more of a modern-day role model than a historical figure: José Andrés. Growing up in the DC area, I’ve known of José for a while and have been to a few of his restaurants. But his humanitarian nonprofit, World Central Kitchen, is what makes him inspiring to me. And if I could have dinner with him, it would definitely be over some paella.
