Brad Lois admits he was never much of a computer guy at Trinity-Pawling. “I could reboot my laptop but that’s about it.” He now spends his days — and many long nights — helping multi-billion-dollar companies manage their data.
Lois graduated from Catholic University with dual degrees in Civil Engineering and Architecture and Urban Planning. He assumed he would pursue a career in civil engineering. “Civil engineering taught me how to analyze a problem, listen to a community, and create a solution.”
However, in January 2019, he changed course and took a position with NetApp, a data management company based in Sunnyvale, California. He’s now a solutions engineer, with Disney as one of his clients. “I have the privilege of working with the team that designs amusement parks, rides, and movies. Disney is the most magical place on earth, but those rides and movies run on data. We give Disney the tools to manage their data and make that magic happen.”
Lois credits two Trinity-Pawling faculty members as his mentors. “Mr. Dinsmore’s drafting classes opened my eyes to architecture and design, and Mr. Reade’s pottery and painting classes encouraged me to immerse myself in the creative process. These classes sparked my creative passion and gave me the freedom to find solutions.”
So how did a civil engineer parlay his design skills into data management? “I have a problem-solving, technical mind. I’m comfortable dealing with the abstract. I do my research, present the information, and provide my clients with a trustworthy solution.”
“92% of the world’s data has been created in the last two years. That’s how fast data is growing. Data is the new oil that fuels the world. And the companies that succeed are the ones who can manage their data most efficiently. Knowing how, when, and where to move your data is essential in today’s hyper-connected world.”
Lois sees some parallels between his work now and his role as captain of Trinity-Pawling’s varsity soccer team in 2013. “I ask myself each day — what can I do to get better? That mindset keeps me competitive. It’s such an honor to be a part of a well-functioning team and work with these amazing companies. I’m learning at a rapid pace every day. It’s a dream come true.”
by Maria Buteux Reade