Hackathon

Delivered by sector leaders a Hackathon provides students with an opportunity to participate in a collaborative code challenge over a short period of time and learn from sector leaders and peers.

Outline of Activity

All Hackathons (face to face and virtual) are covered under this Edge activity and are normally posted on the Employability Portal under Events.   Hackathons have been supported by lots of companies including Bazaarvoice, Rapid7, Cayan, Flexera, Aepona, Slice, Allstate NI, PA Consulting, Deloitte, Google, PwC, Kainos (part of AI Camp), Civica and AVB Group.

Learning Outcomes

Hackathons last 1–3 days, or over a weekend, this will depend on each individual event.

Hackathons tend to have a specific focus, which can include the programming language used, the operating system, an application, an API, or the subject and the demographic group of the programmers. The task presented may involve the use of one or a mixture of technologies in order to create for example a prototype of a program that would help improve a service.

Professional development and growth in self-confidence are key aspects as participating company representatives provide career insights into the IT sector and information on the type of work and the skills required for future recruitment needs.

All participants will:

• Develop models (i.e. machine learning), create chatbots
• Hear about the latest industry developments from local leaders
• Work in project teams developing business skills
• Take feedback provided by facilitators and judging panel
• Increased awareness of IT employers, roles and career paths

Assessment Details

You will be expected to show proof of attending the Hackathon and submit a 300 word reflection of your experience via this link

Level of Commitment

Hackathons can vary from 1-3 days are predominantly a feature within the technology sector.

Contact

If you have any questions regarding EDGE Award accreditation please contact Brian Byers (details below).