IT Code Fair enables students to showcase skills

The annual Charles Darwin University IT Code Fair is a four-day event involving a series of challenges and competitions for students.

CDU students enrolled in Vocational Education and Training (VET), Bachelor or Master degrees in IT or related courses from any state are eligible to participate in the event.

Tertiary students can test their knowledge in the Cyber Security, Business Innovation, Digital Territory or Data Science challenges, or flex their skills in the Coding, Poster or Research competitions.

Primary and secondary school students can also participate in events, including in the Junior Minecraft Innovation Challenge and the Braccio robotic arm workshop.

CDU Master of Information System and Data Science student and IT Code Fair 2022 Ambassador Kenny Nguyen said the event is an invaluable opportunity not to be missed by students.

“It’s particularly an excellent place for all undergraduates and postgraduates inside and outside the NT to engage in lots of competitions, challenges and networking,” he said.

Code Fair Ambassador Sonal Pereira, who recently graduated from CDU with a Master’s in Software Engineering, said the event had a significant impact on her life after her studies.

“The CDU IT Code Fair has provided me, and a lot of other students like me, with a solid platform for a smooth transition from academic life to building a career in IT, by introducing us to a lot of reputed IT companies in and around Darwin,” she said.

“The events organised by the CDU IT Code Fair such as coding competition, cybersecurity challenge, speed dating and various others have helped me to be successful in my job-hunting process.”

The event at the DoubleTree by Hilton on the Esplanade in Darwin City features informative workshops on preparing for a career in the IT industry, keynote speeches and a panel discussion with past Code Fair entrants.

More than 75 prizes and awards can be won, with the IT Code Fair Awards to be presented by Department of Corporate and Digital Development acting Chief Executive Chris Hosking.

Code Fair winners across different categories will have the opportunity to compete for the NT Digital Excellence Award, hosted every two years by the NT Government.

The Code Fair ends with the highly anticipated employee speed dating, where final year IT students can connect with prospective employers from local and interstate companies.

CDU College of Engineering, IT and Environment Dean Professor David Young said the event is a chance for industry representatives to explore cutting-edge projects and for students to network.

“The CDU IT Code Fair empowers students to showcase their skills, find meaningful employment and make connections in the industry locally and interstate,” he said.

Image credit: iStock.com/gorodenkoff