Celebrating 3rd annual DataFest competition at the University of Waterloo

50 undergraduate students took part analyzing and applying data in the 48 hour on campus 2019 ASA DataFest competition earlier this month. Globally, over 2,000 students partake in this competition at several of the most prestigious colleges and universities including the University of Waterloo.

In two consecutive days, students worked all day and night to put their data analysis skills to the test with complex datasets that differ in many ways to what they would normally be exposed to in class. After analyzing the data groups could only present two slides within five minutes to convince the judges that the conclusions they drew from the data were deserving of one of three titles: Best Insight, Best Use of External Data, or Best Data Visualization.

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The winners of this year's competition are:

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Students are provided hands on experience that showcase collaboration, creativity, and development of critical and analytic skills – but most of all, students get to have fun!

An exciting interactive panel discussion for students to gain insight into the world of data science directly from industry representatives was featured this year. They shared valuable tips on hiring expectations, skills needed, and future trends.

ASA Datafest is a unique opportunity that gives aspiring data scientists a leg up on industry expectations after leaving the University of Waterloo. Gaining great experience and advice, students find valuable takeaways from this annual competition.