“Failure wasn’t an option. I was confident I would succeed and put in the work to make it happen, although sometimes it definitely was not easy.”

Brad Warren, ’13, just graduated from Stevens Institute of Technology as valedictorian of his class, earning his bachelors and masters in computer science with a 4.0 GPA.

Throughout college, Warren was a “work first, play later” type. He constantly challenged himself. “I have very high expectations for myself,” said Warren, who also took classes in mathematics and financial engineering, as he “set goals and committed to following through on the steps to achieve them.”

Warren was also dedicated to his collegiate sports, playing on two varsity teams—baseball and wrestling. His passion though, is wrestling, and he spent his entire collegiate career on the mats. While in season, he trained once or twice per day.

“Sports have taught me much about discipline, mental toughness, and performing under pressure. In addition to academics, they have helped to make me a balanced man,” said the self-motivated Warren.

Life as a SigEp

Warren wasn’t a very social person when he began his college journey—he kept to himself most days while focusing on his academic and athletic training. However, he acknowledges that a great deal of his growth and maturity spring from his membership in Sigma Phi Epsilon.

“I wouldn’t have a lot of the confidence, soft skills, or the friendships I do now,” said Warren of his time so far in the Fraternity. “Although I was hesitant at the time, joining SigEp was one of the best decisions I have made.”

These days, the chapter is more than just a fun place to relax and spend time with his brothers. Now it’s his home, he said. He rented an apartment in Hoboken, N.J., to be near his brothers who have yet to graduate, even though it means he’ll have a longer commute to work. 

Balancing everything at once

Warren struggled to balance his schedule, and soon his entire day was planned before the last one ended.

“I’d wake up at 5 a.m. for wrestling practice. Study, then go to class in the morning and afternoon,” said Warren.

After classes, he would try to attend an event or meeting at the chapter house before resuming his work and going to bed.

Warren relied on his seasoned diligence to take over. “Basically I just look at it one class, one assignment at a time,” he said. “I never considered grades when deciding on which courses to take. I always tried to take the classes that interested and challenged me.”

In his spare time, Warren enjoyed CrossFit, dancing and hip-hop. He even turned out a few dance moves during his commencement address. “I kept [the speech] entertaining, even dancing a bit, and everyone loved it,” he said.

Warren has landed a job as a quant, a financial analyst who evaluates market-trading conditions mathematically, at Morgan Stanley, a global financial services firm and market leader in securities, asset management and credit services. He’ll be researching models and algorithms for market making and managing risk at the esteemed firm. He credits networking skills from his mentors for helping him land the job.

What would Warren say to others looking to accomplish a lot?

“Find what you love to do, and don’t settle for something less. Passion is important for achieving success and enjoyment, both in and outside of work. There will be hard work involved, but passion will drive you to persevere.”