The HackConordia team (from left): Philippe Hebert, VP of sponsorships; Philippe Miriello, VP internal; Keli Chiu, VP of design; Nima Jalalvandi, VP external; Kim Noel, VP of communications; Kim Fuller, president of the Concordia University Alumni Association; Corey James Lee, VP of logistics; Buruç Asrin, president; Tyler Argo, VP of technology; and Mather Warsame, VP of operations. (Missing: Jonathan Brunette, development team lead at Morgan Stanley.) | Photo credit: Christian Atanga
Hacks can be anything from computer software to a drone or mobile app design.
Industry leaders will be available throughout the event to offer guidance and support. Near the end, teams must present their hacks to company sponsors that include Microsoft, InterDigital and Morgan Stanley.
Describing it as an “unofficial job fair,” Nima Jalalvandi, HackConcordia’s VP external, says that most students leave hackathons with internship and job offers.
“Companies spend an enormous amount of time and energy trying to find candidates, but what HackConcordia does is take very promising candidates and puts them all under one roof,” Jalalvandi says.
In previous years, HackConcordia sent students to hackathons at other universities throughout North America and Europe. Looking ahead, Jalalvandi says that the group intends to make the hackathon an annual event.
It also hopes to secure enough funding to provide training and workshops for students who wish to attend future hackathons across the globe.
Hackathons are always free for students, since ensuring equal access to success is one of the central values binding the international hackathon community. Following suit, HackConcordia has also committed to footing the bill for participants’ travel, lodging and food.
“There shouldn’t be any barriers for talented students who want to work and be a part of this community,” Jalalvandi says.
He expects the day-long event to bring in close to $100,000 from sponsors looking to bring students together and give them access to the latest technologies. Jalalvandi notes that local tech companies often employ Concordia alumni and many have expressed a desire to give back by encouraging their employers to sponsor the event.
While only in its first year, HackConcordia has cultivated an active presence on campus — something that Jalalvandi believes has helped it form strong partnerships with Concordia administration.
“HackConcordia gathers students with original ideas to fuel their creativity, expand their skills, and bring solutions to meaningful challenges,” says William Cheaib, chief of staff for Concordia’s Office of the President. “We are pleased to support the HackConcordia team and take pride in their success.”
The student group has also garnered support from the Concordia University Alumni Association and is being mentored by Kim Fuller, BFA 96, the association’s volunteer president.
“The one thing I remember vividly after graduation was not knowing where or how to start my career,” says Fuller, founder of Montreal-based agency Phil Communications. “Hackathons are an amazing opportunity for individuals to showcase their unique talents, get noticed and grow both personally and professionally.”
“I believe in supporting the next generation of thinkers and doers. I hope other alumni will do the same,” she says.
- For information or to register for or sponsor HackConcordia’s hackathon, visits its website.