By Joshua, Software Engineer I
Two-minute read
The CNY Hackathon is an annual, beginner-friendly event hosted at Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC) for cybersecurity and computer science students.
This event introduces students to diverse challenges designed by industry professionals through Capture the Flag (CTF). Simultaneously, participants must patch and defend a network of services from the notoriously beginner-friendly adversarial red team.
Each college’s students are split into mixed teams, requiring them to collaborate with individuals they’ve never met before. This setup mirrors the real-world experiences of entry-level employees starting their first jobs: working with strangers, encountering new challenges, adapting quickly and meeting demanding deadlines.
That was me three years ago. I participated as a student representing SUNY Polytechnic Institute’s Network and Computer Security (NCS) club. I knew little about configuring networks, defending them from adversaries or maintaining services for end-users (even simulated ones). What I did bring was patience—patience to work with a new and diverse group of individuals, patience to stay calm under the pressure of the competition’s countdown timer and patience to believe in my own potential.
My team placed fifth out of six. Yet, it didn’t feel like a loss. The competition has a unique way of ensuring even those who don’t “win” leave feeling accomplished. I walked away excited about what I had learned and determined to improve for the next time.
“My team placed fifth out of six. Yet, it didn’t feel like a loss.”
Each team also votes to recognize their “Most Improved” teammate—a prestigious award that takes precedence over “Most Valuable Teammate.” This acknowledgment recognizes that the desire for growth outweighs raw talent and encourages students to keep improving their skills. My team voted me their MVT, which was a significant honor at the time. That designation confirmed what I hoped to be true: that by giving my best, I was capable of a career in this field.
I can confidently say that this event propelled my career forward. The Hackathon taught me that any career goal is achievable with a relentless attitude toward learning and collaboration. Inspired by the experience, I devoted more time to my college’s NCS club, developed my skills and secured an internship with one of the event’s sponsors: Assured Information Security (AIS).
Over time, I had the chance to give back to the event that started it all. I’ve supported the CNY Hackathon as a member of the infrastructure “black team,” as a guest speaker and most recently, as a sponsorship representative of AIS.
This year’s Hackathon was particularly special. For the first time in recent history, the event featured a career lunch with its sponsors—a full-circle moment for me. Returning to the same event that launched my career, I was able to help students in the same way the Hackathon helped me.
The CNY Hackathon is a fully volunteer-operated event, relying on sponsorships from local companies to fund its infrastructure, shirts, food and badges. AIS, one of its long-time sponsors, helps ensure this impactful experience continues.
These sponsors also have the unique opportunity to scout local talent, while students showcase their skills in front of potential employers. Beyond technical growth, participants gain real-world experience and build connections that can enhance their résumés and open career doors.
If you’re seeking a chance to learn, demonstrate your skills and compete in an environment designed for beginners, this is it. Join the hundreds of students who have benefited from this incredible event!
