IT Student Thrives on Helping Build Positive Experiences for New Students

Brad Stapleton’s, BSIT+MBA‘18, effervesce of positive, high energy is matched only by his passion for technology. His involvement in more than a few University of Cincinnati student organizations and clubs comes as no surprise – and his penchant for testing and improving just about everything with technology has propelled his interest in becoming an expert in information technology.

Yet, unlike some over-caffeinated college students, Stapleton jokes that he doesn’t need coffee, and, really, shouldn’t have it because he has so much natural energy and excitement. Instead, he feeds off the energy of being extremely involved on-campus, trying to make a difference and be a part of something bigger.

From technology clubs to work with admissions, Stapleton is an active member and leader in numerous organizations on-campus. “I’m the technology director for Bearcast Media, a UC ROAR tour guide for admissions, an RA, a College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services (CECH) blogger, and an executive member of the Information Technology Student Association,” Stapleton said.

Like many in the technology field, Stapleton has always been curious about the inner workings and application of technology to the arts, sciences, and professions.

“I remember being at a wedding when I was younger and watching my cousin videotape the event…he was talking to his partner on a radio, and their work really intrigued me,” he said.

“From there, I started videotaping everything and got involved with video in high school, then I really evaluated what part of the work I liked most – and it was the technical side.”

From there, he knew he wanted to combine his interests in broadcast media and technology and pursue a degree in information technology.

“I love IT because it allows me to learn new things and then actually apply them to the work we do,” he said. “What we’re learning in the classroom is what we’re doing in co-ops in the field. It teaches you to learn on the fly and troubleshoot issues – and you have to keep up as the field constantly evolves.”

In his first co-op – five semesters of full-time, relevant, and paid work experience – Stapleton worked at Speedway Corporation, ensuring that servers ran properly so customer loyalty programs functioned when consumers swiped their cards.

On tap next for Stapleton is a co-op at ThyssenKrupp Bilstein, a leader in premium shock absorbers and suspension components for automobile manufacturers. He will be working at its North American Headquarters in Hamilton, OH for the spring semester, where he looks forward to learning a new type of business model and networking with more professionals in the field.

“I value these connections and am also excited to continue with my overall goal of learning how myself, as an IT professional, and the technology itself can make the lives and jobs of others easier,” he said.

Stapleton is pursuing the Networking and Systems track of Information Technology and will be entering the School’s elite IT + MBA Program, learning both broad business concepts and specialized skills in information technology. “I’m excited to learn more about business and gain consulting and other skills,” he said of the program.

Stapleton decided on UC and CECH’s IT Program largely because of the celebrated co-op program and beautiful campus. “There’s nothing like going to the middle of campus and seeing Nippert Stadium right in the heart of it all. Plus, UC has become the place to be as the #HottestCollegeinAmerica.”

As a student leader on campus, Stapleton plays an important role in guiding and supporting his peers. He stresses the benefits of getting involved and meeting new people. He often tells prospective students – either through his blog posts or during campus tours, – “You’ll have a lot of great experiences here, and don’t be afraid to reach out to upperclassmen. They can help you get to where you want to be.”

Befitting an always-on, hyper connected lover of technology and sports announcer, Stapleton also offers his Twitter handle to just about anyone looking to connect about UC, technology, or life in general. Look him up if you’re exploring UC for the first time or want to learn more about the many different opportunities available to students.