The desire to give back to the community can come from many different places, whether it’s the drive to challenge ourselves, share our skills, mentor the next generation, develop new talents, or replicate a positive experience. These motivations can lead to incredible journeys, as exemplified by Drew Vasili and Andrew Ramsier, two dedicated software engineers and Tech for Social Good volunteers.
As students, Drew and Andrew attended JPMorganChase’s Code for Good Hackathon in London in 2014, not realizing how profoundly it would impact their lives. Enticed by the promise of a free smoothie and the chance to help non-profits, Drew signed up for the hackathon at a university recruitment fair and convinced some friends – among them Andrew – to join him.
At the event, they met other enthusiastic students, JPMorganChase volunteers, and non-profits with challenges needing solutions. Drew's team partnered with a non-profit to create an interactive website, developing a product that impressed both themselves and the non-profit, while also building valuable skills and networks.
For Andrew, the hackathon was a chance to innovate, develop teamwork and communication skills, and build his network. Initially daunted by the 24-hour format, he found the experience empowering, allowing him to confidently iterate on ideas and develop tangible deliverables.
The hackathon set both Drew and Andrew on a path to join the firm. Shortly after the event, Drew joined at JPMorganChase’s Bournemouth Technology Center in an internship role aligned with his degree. After developing his skills in an internship, Drew was offered a graduate position as a software engineer, joining the firm’s Cybersecurity and Technology Controls team.
Participating in Code for Good allowed Andrew to meet experts and judges during the hackathon, giving him insight into the firm’s culture. He was invited to Spring Week and later joined in Bournemouth as an intern. After completing his internship, Andrew returned to finish his degree and return to the firm through the SEP Program.