Hackathon movement: how to start a beginner?
Short marathons that unite, make you feel competitive, get involved very quickly and think a lot, because time is very limited.
Maksym Prokhorov, founder and managing partner PM PARTNERS
This is how you can decipher the movement called “hackathon”. Why is participating in hackathons so cool and a must try? I share my experience and observations.
Why go to a hackathon?
I will divide the participants of these events into several characteristic groups, depending on their goals and motivation.
Why not give it a try! Such people have free weekends, many friends in their field of activity, and they also quickly organize others to participate, for example, in a hackathon. Moreover, it can be designers, programmers, marketers, analysts and other specialists. They are interested, they quickly light up, especially when there is a collective movement.
Ideas to the masses. These participants always have many ideas that they want to implement and test in practice. Hackathon is great for this purpose. And even if the idea is not appreciated, it will become clearer to you in which direction to move next. You still won’t give up on generating new ideas. Right? So write down the next hackathon in your schedule — and off you go!
I am looking for how to enter IT. A great way to prove yourself, find a team and, quite possibly, financial support for the further development of your projects. If you do not have concrete ideas yet, do not refuse to participate in the hackathon, because they may well appear during the event. Teamwork is no less valuable than solo genius.
The need for communication. During the hackathon, you will get the maximum number of contacts, be able to find partners in your area and establish many useful acquaintances with those who are engaged in related fields. It is likely that you will come with a team to the next hackathon.
Feedback. All movement during the hackathon is aimed at quick feedback. Already during the discussion of ideas and communication with mentors, you will be able to understand which tendencies should be adopted, and which it is time to abandon. And if you have an understanding that feedback is not enough for professional growth, already start getting ready for the hackathon.
Finding funding. Another task that hackathons successfully complete. It involves funds, investors, sponsors and companies willing to invest in promising and interesting projects. For those who need just such connections, attendance at the hackathon is actually a road to funding.
In search of your destiny. Such guys and girls also attend hackathons. It is important for them to see promising directions and potential opportunities, for example, to change the field of activity. They try themselves and it is often during hackathons that they find a “base for stopping,” realizing their skills and knowledge.
Competitive spirit. To the best of gambling specialists, hackathons are interesting precisely for their competitive spirit. Such participants hunt for the first place and all the prizes that are provided for in the event.
