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Work Hard Play Hard Mentality in the Tel Aviv Tech Scene | Israel Tech Challenge Fellow Matt Sandler Explains

Matt is a Tech Challenge Experience alumnus, and 2015 Tech Challenge Fellow ; BSc Computer Science and Art @ Carnegie Mellon

Hi, my name is Matt Sandler, I went to Carnegie Mellon, and worked and studied in a number of tech fields before coming to Israel Tech Challenge. Last summer (2014, during Operation Protective Edge) I made the decision to go on the Israel Tech Challenge Experience, a totally free 10-day program offered in the winter and summer. The program was nothing short of amazing, even though I had already been to Israel before (you qualify even having already done Birthright).

You see and live a unique perspective of Israel for a two-week trip in "The Startup Nation". Although we went all over the country, it was mostly in the vibrant, always happening city of Tel Aviv. All my peers were so nice and like-minded, coming from other top schools and companies and from around the world, many whom I still keep in touch with.

Israel Tech Challenge even has a system for alumni and others in the extended professional network that I have made many connections with. When we weren't on a social activity or out experiencing the local culture, we were at global companies and innovative start-ups alike, hearing lectures about cutting edge research from industry leaders and real-world solutions from leading insiders.

 The administration really cared about our personal experience and safety throughout the trip, and coordinated an immensely enjoyable trip in a potentially difficult time. I felt safer in their expert hands than I did in the US and we always had top notch accommodations and programming. The hackathon at the end was a lot of fun and each trip produces interesting solutions to unique problems.   

 I have had many friends who went on other Israel Tech Challenge cohorts, all of whom also loved it, and I recommend the Experience program to literally anyone who is qualified to go.

My decision to do the 10-month program was admittedly still difficult, even with the amazing time I had on their short program. I really wanted a challenge in my life, and wasn't content with following the general Computer Science path simply implementing and working on code. I wanted something that would give me the freedom to pioneer new technologies and be an expert in an in-demand and ever-growing specialty.

 Some of the hottest fields right now are the cutting edge realms of Data Science and Cybersecurity. Being at the head of this knowledge curve is highly advantageous and means that moving forward you will not only have more control and job security but a more meaningful career. Those two subjects are also hard to find great education for, but are extremely interesting and engaging to learn.

They also share another feature. Israel is a well-known leader in research as well as a powerhouse for producing successful applications in Data Science and Cybersecurity.  Israel has earned an atmosphere of ingenuity and creativity out of necessity, and it has bred not only a plethora of technologies but new ways of thinking about technologies.

 If you want to learn about data science or cyber security, Israel is the perfect country. If you want to work in these fields, Israel is still the best candidate, as evidenced by the high number of companies choosing to have innovation centers in Israel, and the funding for startups created by Israeli minds.

Israel, specifically Tel Aviv is also consistently rated as one of the best places to be for young people, between the beaches, nightlife, many activities and cultures. My experiences thus far reinforce that opinion. I always have something to do.

It's a great place to work hard and play hard. The administration helps make the transition to a new culture seamless, and the people here, not just the administration and the lecturers, but the Israeli people, are all so friendly and happy to help.

It was a really hard decision to leave behind lots of things in America, but I'm glad I did it. The Israel Tech Challenge Fellows program puts you in the heart of Tel Aviv, with a world class program and a group of peers I respect and feel close to. The theories that we are exposed to, the lectures led by experienced pioneers of the field, and the brand new facilities are great and will prepare you for what you will encounter in the real world.

You are constantly working and being challenged, and there is a stipend while you do the 5 month course. Following, Israel Tech Challenge works with you to get top career placements in the companies and areas you want to work in. The internship part (the following 5 months) you get to work on real projects at companies often in a team doing research where you gain even more skills, all while getting paid a competitive salary and potentially landing a job.

If you have any questions for me about my personal experience or my decisions to do either the Tech Challenge Fellows or the Tech Challenge Experience, please don't hesitate to ask. I love talking (maybe too much) and am always happy to answer questions or just to chat. I’m sure I’ll find some time when I’m not in class, learning Hebrew, meeting people from around the world, enjoying Tel Aviv’s many restaurants, cafes, and bars, or just lounging (and coding) on the beach.

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