If you missed this week’s student Bath Hackathon, hosted by bespoke software consultancy Scott Logic, don’t worry! Due to its huge success, the innovative technology event is set to return in the next academic year, becoming an annual event.
On Wednesday, Scott Logic – who has been partnering with universities across the country since 2013 to host undergraduate Hackathons as part of its recruitment strategy – held its first undergraduate Hackathon at The University of Bath.
The company welcomed more than 20 students to the experience-driven event, which involved an intense period of collaborative coding to try to create algorithms that could predict and beat the stock market for a chance to win some cool prizes.
Algorithm hacking
Competitors battled it out in teams of up to six, for the honour of the title of event champions, and to win some of those sought-after rewards.
Chris Davies, a first year studying a BSc in Computer Science with a placement year at the University, came second in the challenge with his team. He explains: “We worked to create an algorithm which determines whether to buy or sell shares on a virtual stock market for maximum profit.
“Using Java, we started off with our virtual £30,000, and were offered the chance to increase our starting cash by solving challenges throughout the afternoon”
“Using Java, we started off with our virtual £30,000, and were offered the chance to increase our starting cash by solving challenges throughout the afternoon. It was a really good event and something different to get involved in.
Intensive problem-solving: The student teams had fun creating an algorithm
to determine whether to buy or sell shares
“So far, the careers events I’ve been exposed to have been focused on big brands, so it was great to hear from a smaller company and find out about other options that I can explore after my degree.”
Steven Hillcox, a software developer from Scott Logic who graduated from Bath with a degree in Computer Science after earlier studying Mathematics as well, was on hand to help.
He says: “As a former Bath student I found that participants were comfortable to open up to me and ask questions they may have been wary of doing at a more traditional recruitment fair, for example.
“Because I did maths as part of my initial degree, I was able to relate to both the computer scientists and the mathematicians in the audience, and both seemed to have a good time.”
John Wright, Scott Logic’s recruitment manager (pictured right) says: “We were particularly impressed with some of the first year students that took part, as it shows how keen they are to stretch themselves and become active, not only in the student community but also the technology community.”
“We do take real notice of applicants who find opportunities to immerse themselves in technology outside of their studies, so our advice is to take advantage of events like ours and just get involved!”
He adds, “We do take real notice of applicants who find opportunities to immerse themselves in technology outside of their studies, so our advice is to take advantage of events like ours and just get involved!”
The company hopes to see a spike in applications, not only for its graduate programme but also its internship, as a result of the day. And is hoping to hold the next Bath Hackathon as early as November. We’ll let you know where and when!
Scott Logic’s 2016 internship and graduate programmes for 2016 are still open to new applicants. Roles available include those in software development, software testing and User Experience (UX) design. For more information on Scott Logic and its services, visit the Scott Logic website.
