The Old Mutual Graduate Hackathon 2024 is an exciting opportunity for final-year students and recent graduates in South Africa to showcase their skills, innovate, and potentially secure employment with one of Africa’s leading financial services organizations. Are you a recent graduate or final year student in IT, digital, or data analytics looking to kickstart your career? Look no further than the Old Mutual Graduate Hackathon 2024!
This exciting event, running from August 14-16, 2024, offers a unique opportunity to showcase your skills, network with industry professionals, and potentially land a job at one of Africa’s leading financial services organizations. Plus, the winning team will take home a cash prize of R100,000!
About Old Mutual
Old Mutual is a premium African financial services group that offers a broad spectrum of solutions to retail and corporate customers across 14 countries. With business lines spanning life and savings, property and casualty, asset management, and banking and lending, Old Mutual is committed to championing mutually positive futures every day.
The Old Mutual Graduate Hackathon 2024 embodies this purpose, bringing together top young talent to solve real-world challenges through innovative technology.
Eligibility Criteria
To participate in the Old Mutual Graduate Hackathon 2024, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be a final year student or recent graduate (within the last 2 years) of an IT, digital, or data analytics related qualification from a South African university
- Have achieved a minimum average of 65% across your studies
- Be proficient in one or more programming languages such as Java, C#, C++, HTML, Python, SQL, or JavaScript
- Be familiar with industry tools and technologies like cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, etc.), databases (SQL, NoSQL), and general web development principles
- Be a South African citizen or eligible to work in South Africa
- Be willing to relocate anywhere in the country if offered a position at Old Mutual
- Have access to a laptop with a working microphone and camera
- Be available for the full duration of the in-person hackathon from 9am on August 14 to 5pm on August 16, 2024
Qualifying disciplines include:
- BCom Information Systems
- BSc IT Systems
- BSc Computer Science
- BSc Computer/Software Engineering
- BCom in Business/Finance with Technology modules
- Diploma in IT (3 years)
- Advanced Diploma in IT
- BSc Data Science
Application Process
To apply for the Old Mutual Graduate Hackathon 2024, follow these steps:
- Visit the official hackathon portal and carefully review the opportunity details and requirements.
- If you meet the criteria, click “Apply Now” to start your application. You will need to submit:Your CV
- Academic transcripts
- Grade 12 certificate
- Complete the automated screening questions.
- If shortlisted, you will be invited to take two online assessments.
- Successful candidates will then proceed to a video interview.
- The top performers will be invited to in-person assessment centers in Johannesburg, Durban, or Cape Town. This is the final stage of the selection process.
- 30 finalists will be chosen to participate in the hackathon and must attend a compulsory pre-hackathon preparation event on August 5, 2024 from 9am-3pm.
Applications close on June 28, 2024 at 11:59pm, so be sure to apply online before then! Spots are limited.
Hackathon Format
The 30 finalists will be split into 6 teams of 5 members each for the 3-day hackathon from August 14-16. Working together, each team will tackle real business challenges for Old Mutual using their technical skills and creativity.
On the final day, all teams will present their solutions to a panel of judges, who will evaluate them based on predetermined criteria. The team with the highest score will be crowned the winners!
Throughout the hackathon, participants will have the chance to engage with Old Mutual professionals, gain exposure to the company’s culture and operations, and potentially interview for open roles. It’s an invaluable opportunity to launch your career.
Prizes and Benefits
The overall winning team will share a cash prize of R100,000, split equally among the 5 team members (R20,000 each). But the benefits extend far beyond just money.
Participants may be considered for permanent employment at Old Mutual, subject to recruitment policies. By taking part in the hackathon, you automatically agree to be considered for the Old Mutual Graduate Programme 2024.
Even if you don’t win the grand prize or land a job offer, you will still gain valuable experience, expand your professional network, and enhance your employability. Showcasing your participation in this prestigious event will undoubtedly impress future employers.
Tips for Success
To make the most of this exciting opportunity, consider these tips:
- Brush up on your technical skills and familiarize yourself with common industry tools and technologies. Practice coding challenges online.
- Research Old Mutual’s business, values, and strategic objectives. Tailor your application and interview responses accordingly.
- Highlight any relevant projects, internships, or achievements on your CV that demonstrate your capabilities and passion for technology and innovation.
- During the hackathon, focus on collaboration, communication, and creative problem-solving. Play to your strengths while being open to learning from your teammates.
- Network with Old Mutual employees and your fellow participants. The connections you make could open doors down the line.
- Stay positive, persistent, and professional throughout the application process and event. Showcase not just your technical abilities but your character and work ethic.
Conclusion
The Old Mutual Graduate Hackathon 2024 is an incredible launchpad for aspiring tech talents to make their mark in the corporate world. With the chance to win big, get hired, and tackle meaningful challenges, it’s an opportunity not to be missed.
If you have the skills, drive, and ambition to succeed, apply online today before the June 28 deadline. Your dream career could be just a hackathon away!
For more information, visit the official Old Mutual Graduate Hackathon 2024 website. You could be the next rising star in African tech innovation.
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