| HEADER - Application Tools | Application Tools |
|---|---|
| Custom Content | Interview Scoring Spreadsheet |
| Add Notes to Application | Add Notes to Application |
| PDF Application | Download PDF Application |
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| HEADER - Application Profile | Application Profile |
| Application Type | Fellow |
| Special Exception | No |
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| HEADER - Application | Application |
| Name | Alden Schmidt |
| Email hidden; Javascript is required. | |
| What areas do you specialize in? (ex: Creative writing, web development, finance, activism, etc.) | I mainly specialize in security with a focus on web applications. I've been active in the security community for close to 6 years now, and have extensive experience in Linux, systems administration, python, docker, and other back-end technologies. |
| Talk about a time where you organized/built/created something. | Freshman year of high school I founded a cybersecurity club. It grew from a few friends and I, to over 40 active members by my senior year. Upperclassmen gave weekly talks on a whole range of technical topics, and trained underclassmen on how to compete in security CTFs. By graduation, several of our teams were consistently finishing in the top 10% of competitors. |
| What is something you've learned related to your specializations, and what are your thoughts on it? | Being involved in security I've developed a knack for looking at problems in unusual ways. Discovering vulnerabilities and breaking into systems is all about thinking about things in a new way. It has also improved my ability to write safe code and securely setup applications. Since I know what attackers look for when they attack an application, it makes mitigating those threats easier. |
| What are your passions, and how do you engage with them? | Ever since I first got my hands on a computer, I've had a passion for technology. I spend most of my spare time doing stuff related to tech, from hacking together projects that nobody will ever see to trying to get a single successful submission on hackernews. Tech inspires me because it allows people to create incredible things, and change the world in ways never thought possible. |
| Have you applied to Startup Shell before? | No |
| Why do you want to join Startup Shell? | My dream for a long time has been to start and grow a company into something incredible. I love the hunger and drive startups have as they race to get their product to market. I love the late night grinds, and the chaos of trying to solve seemingly impossible problems. Being a part of the Startup Shell will let me engage more with that love and experience the reality of startup life first hand. I hope I can learn some skills along the way to start my own company one day. |
| Links to stuff you want us to see. | https://alden.io |
| How did you hear about us? | Searching for startup incubators at UMD |
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| HEADER - Interview Notes | Application NotesThis is the place to add any additional information to the application (e.g. are you vouching for someone, etc.). |