Darlington School: Private Boarding School in Georgia Darlington Connects: Wale Desalu ('10)
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Darlington Connects: Wale Desalu (’10)

Becca Wood | November 19, 2020 | 476 views

We're excited to connect with our alumni through our Darlington Connects series. Today we hear from Wale Desalu ('10), a senior software engineer for Nike Inc.

In 2017, Wale Desalu ('10) began his career with Nike Inc. in Oregon. As a senior software engineer, his main focus is on components of Nike's digital mobile app portfolio. Wale primarily works on the Nike Run Club app and has contributed code that has helped within the Nike Training Club and the Nike Adapt apps. 

When asked about working for Nike Inc. Wale shared, “I knew I always wanted to work in customer facing technology. I just wasn't sure where in the spectrum of tech I wanted to be in. Nike felt like a great place to work especially because of the brand's intersection of people, design, fashion, and fitness. The company has driven a lot of investment and innovation in the digital infrastructure to support the company vision. I enjoy working here and being part of that evolution.”

As Wale reflected on his time at Darlington, he noted that Mr. Craig Schmidt was his favorite teacher. Before taking his class he didn’t enjoy history. Wale said, “Mr. Schmidt saw a potential in me that I hadn't really seen in myself. Although his classes were hard, he taught me to speak up, ask questions, and use my resources to my best ability. He showed me that I was capable of succeeding if I tried. I learned how to surround myself with a good support system to help put me in a position to succeed.”  Wale ended up taking several other classes from Mr. Schmidt, including an honors class during his sophomore year and two AP History classes. Mr. Schmidt helped build his self-confidence in his academic abilities, which he carried on when went to Carnegie Mellon and earned an Electrical and Computer/Biomedical Engineering degree.

Wale is excited to get involved with the Darlington Connects and shared his thoughts on the program. “I think it will be beneficial for students and alumni to have the opportunity to meet with alumni who can share the lessons we have learned and continue to learn on our own professional journeys.” Wale has offered to provide advice on majoring in Electrical and Computer/Biomedical Engineering. He can also share advice on interning and applying for positions in the software engineering field. To connect with Wale, please email connect@darlingtonschool.org.

Are you a Darlington alum (or do you know one) with an interesting career or community involvement? We'd love to spotlight you in a future blog! Please email connect@darlingtonschool.org if you are interested in being featured.