hbcu technology challenge
The HBCU Technology Challenge is a competition to create technical solutions that will provide students with exposure to projects and problems that Target Software Engineers are working to resolve while further developing their own technical and professional acumen.
- Choose the option that most inspires you. You may submit for both options if you choose, but you are only eligible to be a finalist for one.
- When you submit your solution, please note whether it is option one or two in the file name and on your title slide.
option 1:
Your task is to create a tool that our properties business analyst team can use to help determine where we should build our next small format stores.
How could Target better serve our guests and communities by building additional flexible format stores?
Target has 1,800 stores across the US with more being added every year. Of these 1,800 stores we now have nearly 100 small-format stores across the country- from college campuses to urban neighborhoods- and plan to open about 30 more each year over the next few years.
These stores are like no other college-geared retail experience. Each one's designed for quick and convenient trips and stocked with locally relevant products at affordable prices. They also serve as convenient hubs where guests can go to pick up orders from Target.com.
Just how small do our small-format stores get? They're all different, starting as small as 15,000 square feet or less, though the average small-format Target is around 40,000 square feet, about one-third the size of our full-size 130,000 square-foot store. Fun fact: our newly opened store in Chicago's Wicker Park neighborhood is the smallest to date, spanning just 12,800 square feet. The size of each one is based on what we think will best fit and serve the neighborhood.
Inside each small-format, guests will find many of the categories (like Home, Apparel, and Food and Beverage) they'd expect to see in a full-size store, but with smaller assortments curated for their local neighborhood. For example, we'll carry paper towels in our urban stores, but in smaller pack sizes so it's easier for guests to carry home and store in smaller spaces. It's all about listening to our guests in each neighborhood and bringing customized shopping experiences to life.
option 2:
How can Target create meaningful value for its guests through their shopping experience that is consistent across channels? In other words, in what ways can Target win in the marketplace and continue to do so in the future? Think about how Target shows up in local communities – what do we do well, and what could we do differently? Your task is to first define a problem experienced by Target guests. Then, by leveraging your design and engineering skills - bring your solution to life!
Target's core guests are incredibly diverse, and no one segmentation can describe them fully. We learn a lot about them from spending time getting to know them as people, not data points. Typical guests have kids in the household and lots of demands on their time. Guests actively shop in-store and online and use technology while shopping, with one hand on their cart and one hand on their smartphone. They enjoy shopping and want to tell their friends, remaining engaged with social media while shopping and sharing their feedback and experiences online. They are often influenced by others and share their findings to influence others.
Today's consumers demand great value, which is much more than price – value is a combination of price + assortment + experience, and it's a unique equation for each person. It's feeling like you gave more than you got. Consumers have a wide range of retail choices, and are willing to hunt to take advantage of the best value. But, with so many demands on their time, consumers are also looking for convenience. Retailers have answered this trend by partnering with mobile payment applications and shortening the number of steps required from browse to checkout, both digitally and physically. In terms of obtaining the purchased product, free shipping and in-store pick up are becoming increasingly important for online transactions, as well as length of time until product is received.
For Target, the guest is at the center of everything. The company is continually developing new ways to serve the guest anytime, anywhere. Target today remains committed to providing a one-stop shopping experience for guests by delivering differentiated merchandise and outstanding value.
challenge resources:
preparing your entry:
- Review the challenge description, associated resources, challenge rules and program FAQs for additional context to inform your proposed solution.
- Develop a solution to address the proposed challenge.
- Submit your entry via the online submission form – this should be a PowerPoint or PDF – voiceover/video within to help narrate your proposal is permitted. (Note: By submitting your entry, you are confirming your acknowledgement of all terms & conditions as listed on the contest rules & restrictions page. Please review prior to submitting.)
- You may also submit a maximum 1-page note giving additional context for presentation if you elect not to do voiceover/video. This is optional.
- Entries will be reviewed and evaluated by a cross-functional team based on the judging criteria below.
After submission of your entry you can add the HBCU Technology Challenge to your resume using the following language: "Competed in Target's inaugural HBCU Technology Challenge to propose innovative tech solutions to improve guest experience or optimize strategic tasks"
judging criteria:
Entries submitted will be judged by Target Software Engineers & Leaders as well as Technology Recruiters. The decisions of the judges are final. We will be looking for solutions that meet the following four (4) criteria:
- Design: Individual/Team demonstrates unique or original use of tools, technology, process, and/or architecture to solve a given problem. Team considers a novel solution to a problem (i.e. they researched what Target is already doing)
- Pitch: Individual/Team shows energy, clarity, and creativity when delivering their solution. Can you explain what you did and why?
- Code/Technical Challenge: Individual/Team developed solid code and thought through a strong design. Could it work? Does it address the issue?
- Impact: Individual/Team demonstrates great consideration of users (Target guest/team member) to improve or create a new shopping experience. Clearly articulates the problem and how the technical solution will solve and create impact.
Questions? Please reach out to HBCUTechChallenge@target.com.
more about tech at target
Target as a tech company? Absolutely. We’re the behind-the-scenes powerhouse that fuels Target’s passion and commitment to cutting-edge innovation. We anchor every facet of one of the world’s best-loved retailers with a strong technology framework that relies on the latest tools and technologies—and the brightest people—to deliver incredible value to guests online and in stores. Target Technology Services (TTS) is on a mission to offer the systems, tools and support that guests and team members need and deserve. Our high-performing teams balance independence with collaboration, and we pride ourselves on being versatile, agile and creative. We drive industry-leading technologies in support of every angle of the business, and help ensure that Target operates smoothly, securely and reliably from the inside out.
For more on what it's like to work at Target, hear from a few of our past interns and current recruiters & engineers!
Legal Disclaimer
By submitting your entry you are confirming that you have read and agree to the contest RULES.
Participation in the HBCU Technology Challenge is entirely voluntary and does not create an employment relationship with Target. Individuals who do choose to participate will not be compensated for the time spent on their submission or for their submitted artwork.
By participating in this Contest, Participants are confirming that you understand that submitted concepts may or may not be part of Target’s previous, current or future business endeavors. By uploading a submission you agree to give Target a royalty free, irrevocable, perpetual, non-exclusive, license for incidental use of your submission in any form, media or technology now known or later developed, only for historical, promotional or marketing purposes.
