By- Kevin Fraser Management Information Systems (MIS)Â Director.
At Acsenda School of Management (ASM), we are committed to bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world professional experiences. Our recent participation in StormHacks 2.0 on October 5-6, 2024, a 24-hour programming competition hosted by SFU Surge, is a testament to that mission. Four of our Management Information Systems (MIS) Concentration students—Rey Torrecampo, Reymart Tiu, January Emmanuelle Thomas (Jet) Ison, and Jaime Cortes—were selected to compete among 52 teams chosen from over 700 applicants. Facing off against students from renowned institutions like the University of British Columbia (UBC), British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), and the University of Toronto, they showcased their technical expertise, determination, and creativity.
The StormHack 2.0 Experience
The atmosphere inside the Simon Fraser University (SFU) Student Union Building, where the competition was held, was ebullient, with tech enthusiasts, mentors, and industry professionals converging for an intense yet collaborative event. Sponsored by major companies such as NordVPN, Scalar, Defang Software Labs, and Trulioo, among others, the event provided students with the opportunity to network and explore the latest trends in the tech industry.
Our ASM team tackled a pressing challenge faced by immigrants and job seekers. They developed a chatbot integrated with OpenAI’s ChatGPT API, designed to assist newly arrived immigrants in obtaining essential documents like a BC ID and Social Insurance Number (SIN) while also helping them search for jobs. The app featured a job search and application tracker, enabling users to search for positions, contact employers, and monitor the progress of their applications with ease.
Learning and Growth
According to the team, the experience was enriching and transformative. They were able to rapidly adapt to new tools, collaborate under intense pressure, and gain a deeper understanding of product management through workshops that emphasized vision-setting, roadmap creation, and stakeholder communication.
More than anything, the competition taught them the value of resilience, teamwork, and creative problem-solving under tight deadlines.
Acsenda’s Commitment to Real-World Experience
Acsenda prioritizes practical learning, encouraging our students to take advantage of opportunities like coding competitions, internships, and industry collaborations. Events like StormHacks 2.0 offer invaluable hands-on experiences, allowing students to apply their classroom knowledge in real-world scenarios while connecting with the broader tech community.
Looking Ahead
The determination and skills displayed by ASM’s MIS team at StormHacks 2.0 highlight the immense potential of our students. We extend our gratitude to the MIS Club and the entire ASM community for their support. This competition is just one of many opportunities where our students can test their abilities, collaborate with industry professionals, and address local and global business challenges. We are excited about the possibility of future partnerships with SFU and other institutions to develop and implement technology initiatives.
Together, we will continue to inspire, educate, and connect our students to the professional world, ensuring they are prepared for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.
INTERNATIONAL THINKING. INDIVIDUAL FOCUS
