6 reasons why developers should attend hackathons
Hackathons are events where a large number of people come together to use code to solve a problem. These are programming competitions, which are often sponsored by large, well-known companies. They expect a solution to a technical problem in the form of websites, mobile apps or even robots.
Coding contests are a great opportunity for you to meet people who are just as passionate about coding as you are. They can lead to great product creations, new connections, and even new jobs.
If you enjoy creative work, like free food, enjoy great experiences and fancy cash prizes, then hackathons are definitely worth a visit. If you're still not convinced, here are 6 reasons why you should attend a hackathon:
1. Show what you can do
If you are just starting your programming career and may not yet have much professional experience, it is a great advantage to have already participated in various hackathons. Participating in hackathons will help you differentiate yourself from the competition and underscore your passion for coding. Hackathon projects can also be a great addition to your portfolio. In addition, very often prominent companies such as Microsoft or Kapsch sponsor these hackathons, which of course is a unique opportunity to shine in front of industry leaders. It's not uncommon for hackers to be spotted by exciting employers and invited to a job interview
2. A great networking opportunity
Maybe you just moved and don't know many people in the new city yet? Or are you in the process of building a network of like-minded people to exchange information on current tech topics and best-practice examples? Maybe you are even looking for a co-founder to found a new start-up? These are all reasons for a hackathon! Since these are limited in time, it forces the participants to work together effectively and closely. It is also possible to quickly check whether the chemistry fits together. You may not find your soulmate there, but there are a number of developers who claim to have made a lot of contacts and friends at hackathons.
3. Cash prizes and much more
At the end of the hackathons, prizes are awarded to the winning teams. These awards can range from monetary rewards to specific job offers. Hackathons are usually loaded with company promotional items like t-shirts, coffee mugs, stickers, sweatshirts, etc. Very often, contestants also rave about the free food served during the competition.
4. A rewarding experience
Even if you're not a winner in the traditional sense, hackathons are an extremely rewarding experience! Let's face it - creating something from nothing is hard. In fact, it can be one of the toughest challenges you can imagine. However, hackathon participants can attest that there is no greater sense of accomplishment than bringing a working solution to life with the team in just a few hours. Hackathons offer participants the opportunity to surpass themselves and to develop new creative programming processes. There are also hackathons run by non-profit organizations. Not only can you put your skills to the test, you can also build a network. Not only can you win prizes here, but ideally you can also do good things together with others.
5. Teaches you to work efficiently
Bringing a group of people together to implement a project in a very limited time opens a door for more innovative ideas. You will try to work faster and more precisely. A common practice at hackathons is “pair programming”. The main thing is to find someone with a similar level of expertise and then take turns programming and advising on the project. Hackathons offer tremendous learning potential and teach you to work together effectively in a stressful environment.
6. Gain industry knowledge
By participating in hackathons, you can acquire important, industry-specific skills. If you are more inexperienced, you will learn how to create a project from scratch and present it to an expert panel. Even if you are already a coding pro, you have the opportunity to improve your team and presentation skills. All in all, a hackathon prepares you ideally for working in a fast-paced environment and gives industry experts the opportunity to deal with technical challenges.
