Applying to VandyHacks Board 2021
Interested in learning how you can get involved with VandyHacks? Great! We’d love for you to apply to be a part of the board at join.vandyhacks.org! This guide will help you understand what VandyHacks is and how you can best prepare for the application process to join our team. Applications are due on January 20th, but interviews are scheduled on a rolling basis, so make sure to apply today!
What is VandyHacks (VH)?
VandyHacks is an organization dedicated to fostering creativity, collaboration, and inclusion within the computer science community here at Vanderbilt University. Our mission is to build a strong and welcoming computer science community for all. We accomplish this by hosting an annual hackathon — a 36-hour software development marathon during which attendees think of an idea and build it — alongside hack nights, workshops, and study nights.
The VandyHacks board consists of student organizers who work to plan these events in several different areas: Content, Design, Development, Hacker Experience, Marketing, Operations, and Sponsorship. Many board members are involved in multiple committees and contribute to a variety of tasks, from contacting sponsors (fun fact: VandyHacks is entirely self-funded!), to designing promotional artwork, to coding event tracker software. Being on board means being a part of a rich network of peers and alum who share a passion for computer science, drive for excellence, and spirit of inclusion and community.
For more detailed descriptions of each committee, check out this overview of each of the VandyHacks Board Committees.
How do I join?
Initial Application
Apply to be a part of our board today at join.vandyhacks.org! This initial application is a basic form that gives you an opportunity to select which committees would best fit your interests and skills (see VandyHacks Board Committees). The short answer questions also allow you to demonstrate your interest in and understanding of VH. Any and all Vanderbilt students, regardless of major or technical background, are encouraged to apply.
The initial application is due at 11:59 P.M. CST on Wednesday, January 20th, but we encourage you to apply as soon as you are ready, as interviews will be scheduled on a rolling basis.
Take-Home Assessment
After filling out the initial application, you may be invited to submit a take-home assessment. This is our way of getting a practical sense of your aptitude for more technical or specialized committees.
The take-home assessment will be due one week after being sent out with 24 hours after opening to complete it. If extenuating circumstances arise that prevent you from submitting in time, please reach out at info@vandyhacks.org.
Interview
After filling out the initial application, you may be invited to sign up for a 45-minute interview, which will consist of a combination of behavioral and skill-based questions. Before your interview, it might be helpful to review your past extracurricular experiences and successes and familiarize yourself with the role of VH within the Vanderbilt community.
Remember, in our interviews and throughout our process, we are looking for individuals who:
- Have clear, demonstrated skills that would allow them to succeed on the VandyHacks board.
- Are reliable, team-oriented, and motivated with a strong desire to contribute.
- Share our mission of building a strong and welcoming computer science community for all.
During the interview, try to use examples to highlight your abilities and explain your thinking process as you work through questions. Most importantly, be yourself! After your interview, you can expect to hear back no later than January 31st.
Summary
The VandyHacks board application consists of an initial application form, followed by a take-home assessment and/or interview. The initial application is due on January 20th, and interviews will follow on a rolling basis. Final application decisions will be released around January 31st. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out at info@vandyhacks.org.
We look forward to reading your application!
