Eric Gradman
Two Bit Circus
Los Angeles, CA USA
"Struggle to find your niche for as long as possible."
Career Roadmap
Eric's work combines: Engineering, Technology, and Building Things
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Take Roadmap QuizSkills & Education
Advice for getting started
I love experimenting with technology and building things just to see if I can. Even though thinking about the end-user and a designs purpose is important, it is equally important to create things just to see what the possibilities are.
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
Computer Engineering, General
University of Southern California
Graduate Degree
Computer Engineering, General
University of Southern California
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a Computer Systems Engineers/Architects:
High School
Bachelor's Degree: Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics and Special Effects
Learn more about different paths to this careerLife & Career Milestones
My path in life took a while to figure out
1.
He finished college in the middle of the web crash, so rather than entering the workforce, he "hid out in graduate school."
2.
Became a touring circus performer on the side while he was finishing his engineering degree.
3.
Worked as a fire dancer, a clown, an aerialist, and an acrobat.
4.
Says that conversation ("I'm joining the circus") did not go over well with his parents, who had more "traditional" jobs.
5.
After graduation, he took a series of "boring" engineering and computer programming jobs.
6.
Reached a crossroads where he felt he had to choose between being a performer and continuing with these dull jobs.
7.
Says when he started making interactive art with his co-founder, Brent Bushnell, he "fell in love with engineering again."
8.
Their company's goal is to show kids how engineering can be exciting and interactive.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Society in general:
No one will ever use that! It serves no purpose.
How I responded:
I love experimenting with technology and building things just to see if I can. Even though thinking about the end-user and a designs purpose is important, it is equally important to create things just to see what the possibilities are.