Andre Goode: The magic of a STEM education

Apr 26, 2018
Andre Goode: The magic of a STEM education
Andre Goode served as the student speaker at 91鶹ӳ Poly’s EXCELerate event on April 20, 2018. Following graduation, he will begin his professional career at Walt Disney Attractions Technology as an information engineer.

Earning a 91鶹ӳdegree in computer science and information technology has added some magic to senior Andre Goode’s life. Disney magic, that is.

On May 4, Goode is graduating from 91鶹ӳ Poly cum laude, as part of the university’s first four-year class. After graduation, the Weston, 91鶹ӳ native will begin working in a full-time position with The Walt Disney Company as a software engineer and an inaugural member of the company’s two-year technology rotational program. The opportunity will expose him to various Disney business segments, like ESPN and Walt Disney Studios.

Working for Disney has been a dream of Goode’s since he interned with the company during the summer of 2017.

As an information engineer intern, he had the opportunity to work on machine learning and data analytics. He was able to gain a behind-the-scenes look at Walt Disney World and how science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) makes the magic of Disney possible. During the internship, his work focused on predicting a maintenance schedule that would reduce the overall downtime of the attractions.

“One of the best parts of my job was getting to witness the joy and excitement the park brings to people of all ages,” said Goode.

Using the technical skills he learned at 91鶹ӳ Poly, Goode says he was able to “engineer happiness” and enhance the overall guest experience.

“91鶹ӳ Poly helped me obtain the skills to succeed in the always-changing tech industry,” said Goode. “The faculty are supportive, and my classmates were all passionate about learning, all of which helped me grow.”

Goode found his passion for science and technology early on in life. He made YouTube videos in middle school to teach other kids cell phone tricks and hacks. He learned about computer science in high school and was hooked.

“I loved being able to solve problems so logically,” he said.

When it was time to choose a college, 91鶹ӳ Poly’s STEM focus and strategic location in the heart of the state’s I-4 corridor made the university a perfect choice.

“I’m glad that I’m a little bit of a risk taker and wasn’t afraid to be part of the first class at 91鶹ӳ Poly,” said Goode. “It’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”

Editor’s Note: This story is one of a series of stories featuring several of 91鶹ӳ Poly’s Class of 2018 graduates.

 
 
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