Western Sydney University and Industry partner to skill the future digital workforce
Students from the Schools of Computer, Data and Mathematical Sciences and Business have led the first Western Hackathon as part of ServiceNow’s NextGen Program.
Developed to foster digital and business skills, the week-long training program asked students to create an application to 'Improve the student and staff experience’ at Western using ServiceNow’s Now Platform to build digital workflows.
Throughout the event the teams were supported by staff and mentors from Western Sydney University, ServiceNow and Deloitte.
The winning team – which included Haridev Udayakumar, Dean Giles and Namson Nguyen – designed a seamless digital process to transform how students connect with academic staff, and saw them each take home a $50 voucher.
"I hold a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering, and I am currently studying a Masters degree in IT, so this experience really helped me learn about Java Script and the ServiceNow platform, giving me news skills and much-needed experience for my career," said Haridev.
The University’s Director of Employability and Graduate Success, Mr Chris Youness, noted the benefit of hackathon to hone practical learning opportunities.
“These events are fun but also critically important for students because it facilitates valuable exposure to the experiences and challenges they’ll face when engaged in their industry of choice.
“We create these opportunities to enhance our students’ professional capacities and skills, and improve career opportunities,” said Mr Youness.
Alethea Murphy, ServiceNow Regional Director, Public Sector & Higher Education, said, “Australia’s youngest workers have some of the best skills and qualifications as native digital communicators. University students hold critical skills to make work better for people.
“Through ServiceNow’s NextGen Professional Program, we are extending Gen Z’s consumer tech skills to include new digital workflow capabilities. The NextGen program includes technical training and certification, plus opportunities to gain employment and this means students are introduced to the workplace while they complete their studies.”
Faez Ahmed, Senior Director, Global Education at ServiceNow also said: “Working with Universities to bring real-world scenarios to students is extremely beneficial and highly relevant in the current climate. I am looking forward to seeing the creativity of students at the Western Sydney University in solving challenges submitted by our customers and partners.”
The University is pleased to continue to evolve the hackathon experience with ServiceNow and Deloitte, ensuring more students have the opportunity to work directly with key employers and industry leaders, to open up new skills and access job opportunities.
ENDS
26 August 2020
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