Nicholas Shaw

From Hackathon to Career Breakthrough: How the Weston Ideation Lab Shaped Nicholas Shaw’s Path

When Nicholas A. Shaw entered Cleveland State University as a Computer Engineering student, he knew he loved technology but wasn’t sure where it would take him. That uncertainty shifted dramatically after he stepped into the Weston Ideation Lab and joined the Cleveland State Annual Hackathon in 2022.

Shaw’s team took home 2nd Place and the Favorites Award, but the real prize came later: that experience became a key talking point in interviews with Lubrizol, where he landed a two-year IT Co-Op position. “Lubrizol recruiters specifically highlighted the hackathon as a reason I stood out,” Shaw recalls. “Managers wanted to hear more about it, and that opened the door for me.”

Turning Theory into Action

For Shaw, the Weston Ideation Lab bridged the gap between classroom learning and real-world application. “The lab gave me clarity about how classroom knowledge applies outside of lectures and exams,” he explains. Instead of chasing grades, he began to see his assignments as opportunities to hone skills in problem-solving, collaboration, and innovation.

Working alongside students from different majors added another layer of perspective. “It gave me insights into other people’s academic journeys, which helped me grow beyond just the technical side of things,” he says.

Finding Career Direction

Before his time at Weston, Shaw’s interest in technology lacked direction. But through hackathons and collaborative projects, he discovered his passion for solving real business problems with technology. That clarity guided him toward information systems and IT/business solutions.

His Co-Op at Lubrizol confirmed the path: he thrived in project-driven environments where creativity meets technology. Now, with graduation approaching in December 2025, Shaw is setting his sights on roles that combine technical expertise with innovation.

Breakthrough Moments

One memory stands out clearly. During the hackathon, Shaw’s team hit a wall on a technical hurdle. Instead of pushing harder on the same path, a mentor encouraged them to redefine the problem itself. That shift in perspective unlocked their solution—and reshaped how Shaw approaches challenges.

“I was a Computer Engineering student at the time, and thinking outside the box wasn’t my comfort zone,” he admits. “But that moment changed everything. Now I always strive to look at problems differently.”

Building Confidence Through Community

Shaw credits the Weston Ideation Lab community with giving him the confidence to take risks. Seeing peers experiment, fail, and try again showed him that failure was part of the process. Mentors also provided candid feedback that sharpened his presentation and teamwork skills—abilities he leaned on during his Co-Op, where he regularly presented projects and took on leadership roles.

Advice for Students

His message to future students is simple: don’t wait until you feel ready.
“Just dive in,” he advises. “The lab is a place to explore, learn, and sometimes fail—and that’s where the best growth happens.”

He encourages students to take advantage of every opportunity, whether or not it directly connects to their major. “Say yes to as many things as possible—hackathons, workshops, mentorship. Even if it feels unrelated, the skills and connections will stay with you.”

Looking Ahead

For Shaw, the Weston Ideation Lab has been more than a student resource; it’s been a launchpad. “It filled the gap between my academics and my career and bridged them together,” he says. “Without it, I wouldn’t have had the hackathon experience that helped me stand out to Lubrizol, or the clarity about where I want to take my career. It gave me more than skills—it gave me direction.”

As Shaw prepares for graduation, his journey underscores the power of the Weston Ideation Lab to transform uncertainty into opportunity, and ideas into career-defining experiences.