Unveiling the Thrills: My Journey Organizing Engaging Hackathons
I truly enjoy my job; I work with smart people doing cool projects. This past year, I've worked on everything from building simulations for metal factories to missile defense. Still, the proudest and most enjoyable project I've had the pleasure to work on is the AnyLogistix Hackathon.
About a year and a half ago, I got a request to create something for the University of Toronto for their IISE club. As someone who was a part of IISE at the University at Buffalo and always wanted to do something like this, but without a computer science background, there wasn't anything like this. Therefore, I pounced on the idea and created a small hackathon. That first hackathon was virtual but successful; the students enjoyed it, and we were able to supply a scholarship to the winners.
Last Summer, again, I was reached out to do another hackathon, but this time at the great The Ohio State University. The stakes were higher; it was in person, and we expanded the format. This time, we battled through some first-time event adversity, but to the students, the event was an overall success! This fall, I was welcomed back to OSU to put on the hackathon again, and again, we put on another successful event.
As I mentioned initially, these hackathons are one of the coolest things I do. We start by training the students on a software they've never used or heard of (slowly changing!) one night, and then the next night, going into the next day, they challenge themselves to complete the prompt and to present to a group of professionals. The aha moments they experience when they finally understand what's happening are motivating; the energy they have to learn and compete is inspiring.
I want to thank Vince Castillo for being our contact at OSU, finding additional scholarship money, and giving your perspective on improving the event each year.
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I would also like to thank Isidro Liñan , for helping to expand this event and for all the help you did surrounding the event. Also, I want to thank SimWell Consulting & Technologies Inc. for supporting this event and allowing me to put the time in to make something great.
Lastly, I thank all the students for signing up and competing in the event. Without the individuals putting the time aside to challenge themselves, we wouldn't be able to do an event like this or even think about expanding an event like this in the future.
Below is a link to the blog about the event; I can't wait to see where this event goes next year!
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1yGreat job Nick!