Name: Daniel Walsh
Title: Chief Architect of Container Technologies
Organization: Red Hat
1. In one sentence, what does your job entail?
I am chief architect of container technologies at Red Hat, which means I lead a group of Operating System engineers who write code to control what third party applications do on an Linux computer system.
2. What were you involved in when you were on campus?
I was heavily involved in the Holy Cross Band, Member of Big Brothers/Big Sister. Performed in ACT Alternate College Theater, as well as senior Play. Went to multiple religious retreats. (5 days no talking). Lots of intramural sports (Basketball, Touch Football)
3. What was your major and how did it affect your career decisions?
Math Major, I wanted to go into Computer Science, but Holy Cross did not offer the major at that time. I also took course at WPI through the consortium.
4. What are one or two skills that you developed at Holy Cross that you use in your work?
I was a horrible writer when I got to Holy Cross, and really felt like I would fail out of some writing courses, but the professors worked with me and got me to the point, where I was passable. Now I write (blog) prolifically and am well known in the computer security world for my communications skills. I don’t believe I would have been as successful if I had gone to a technical college.
5. What advice do you have for students today?
Enjoy your college experience. If you have a non-technical background, don’t assume you will not be able to work at a high-tech company. Most of the employees at the top technical companies need to be able communicate. Sales, marketing, human resources, documentation, management, customer support, legal and hundreds of other jobs require read/writing skills. Even software engineers need to document their software, and explain how to use it. It is my belief that a liberal arts education, teaches this fundamental skill.
