{"id":477332,"date":"2022-07-24T11:00:32","date_gmt":"2022-07-24T08:00:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/en.buradabiliyorum.com\/how-to-win-a-hackathon-without-coming-in-first-place\/"},"modified":"2022-07-24T11:00:32","modified_gmt":"2022-07-24T08:00:32","slug":"how-to-win-a-hackathon-without-coming-in-first-place","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/how-to-win-a-hackathon-without-coming-in-first-place\/","title":{"rendered":"#How to win a hackathon \u2014 without coming in first place"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_84 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a2deaae0443b\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #dd3333;color:#dd3333\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #dd3333;color:#dd3333\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a2deaae0443b\" checked aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/how-to-win-a-hackathon-without-coming-in-first-place\/#%E2%80%9CHow_to_win_a_hackathon_%E2%80%94_without_coming_in_first_place%E2%80%9D\" >&#8220;How to win a hackathon \u2014 without coming in first place&#8221;<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/how-to-win-a-hackathon-without-coming-in-first-place\/#Thanks_for_joining_us\" >Thanks for joining us!<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/how-to-win-a-hackathon-without-coming-in-first-place\/#1_Win_as_a_first-time_newbie\" >1. Win as a first-time newbie<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/how-to-win-a-hackathon-without-coming-in-first-place\/#2_Win_as_a_programmer\" >2. Win as a programmer<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/how-to-win-a-hackathon-without-coming-in-first-place\/#3_Win_as_a_designer\" >3. Win as a designer<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/how-to-win-a-hackathon-without-coming-in-first-place\/#4_Win_as_a_speaker\" >4. Win as a speaker<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/how-to-win-a-hackathon-without-coming-in-first-place\/#5_Win_as_a_manager\" >5. Win as a manager<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/how-to-win-a-hackathon-without-coming-in-first-place\/#6_Win_as_a_mentor\" >6. Win as a mentor<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/how-to-win-a-hackathon-without-coming-in-first-place\/#7_Win_as_a_host\" >7. Win as a host<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/how-to-win-a-hackathon-without-coming-in-first-place\/#8_Win_as_a_volunteer\" >8. Win as a volunteer<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/how-to-win-a-hackathon-without-coming-in-first-place\/#9_Win_as_a_sponsoring_company\" >9. Win as a sponsoring company<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h1><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%E2%80%9CHow_to_win_a_hackathon_%E2%80%94_without_coming_in_first_place%E2%80%9D\"><\/span>&#8220;How to win a hackathon \u2014 without coming in first place&#8221;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/img-cdn.tnwcdn.com\/image?fit=796%2C417&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn0.tnwcdn.com%2Fwp-content%2Fblogs.dir%2F1%2Ffiles%2F2021%2F07%2Fpython-code.jpg&amp;signature=8d478350594927078f86ca5435c4d2b0\" \/><\/p>\n<div id=\"article-main-content\">\n                            <i data-stringify-type=\"italic\">This<span>\u00a0<\/span><\/i><i data-stringify-type=\"italic\"><a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"c-link\" tabindex=\"-1\" href=\"https:\/\/cult.honeypot.io\/reads\/best-developer-movies-and-series\/\" data-stringify-link=\"https:\/\/cult.honeypot.io\/reads\/best-developer-movies-and-series\/\" data-sk=\"tooltip_parent\" data-remove-tab-index=\"true\">article<\/a><\/i><i data-stringify-type=\"italic\"><span>\u00a0<\/span>was originally published on .cult by <\/i><a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/cult.honeypot.io\/contributors\/dragos\">Drago<span>\u0219<\/span> Strainu<\/a><i data-stringify-type=\"italic\"\/><i data-stringify-type=\"italic\"\/><i data-stringify-type=\"italic\">.<span>\u00a0<\/span><\/i><i data-stringify-type=\"italic\"><a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"c-link\" tabindex=\"-1\" href=\"https:\/\/cult.honeypot.io\/\" data-stringify-link=\"https:\/\/cult.honeypot.io\/\" data-sk=\"tooltip_parent\" data-remove-tab-index=\"true\">.cult<\/a><\/i><i data-stringify-type=\"italic\"><span>\u00a0<\/span>is a Berlin-based community platform for developers. We write about all things career-related, make original documentaries, and share heaps of other untold developer stories from around the world.<\/i><\/p>\n<p>From my experience at hackathons, I understand that it\u2019s not just about winning first place. You participate to learn something new, make connections and have fun.<\/p>\n<p>During my first hackathons, I was really focused on winning and didn\u2019t see all the other benefits of going to a hackathon. When I didn\u2019t win, I was so upset that I almost wanted to forget about the whole event.<\/p>\n<div class=\"inarticle-wrapper channel-cta\">\n<div class=\"ica-text\">\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Thanks_for_joining_us\"><\/span>Thanks for joining us!<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>See the highlights of TNW Conference 2022<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Over time I noticed that hackathons always attract multiple types of people, with different skill sets. Many of them are participating to learn something new or to train specific skills, like programming, pitching, design or business skills.<\/p>\n<p>To actually win first place at a hackathon, you need to combine multiple components. You should have a good team of people with different skill sets. You need a good idea and even better execution. You need programmers, designers, speakers, researchers and people with good communication skills.<\/p>\n<p>Of course, you don\u2019t always (or usually) have all those things. Maybe your team isn\u2019t perfect or the hackathon topic is particularly complex, making it hard to come up with a good concept. After attending over 30 hackathons, I\u2019ve started to understand that, instead of focusing on winning first place, I can achieve a lot more by focussing on winning new skills and helping others. Treat winning first place as a bonus\u2013the cherry on top of all the new things that you already learned.<\/p>\n<p>Now let\u2019s see what you should do to acquire skills for your needs and how to win without coming in first place.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Win_as_a_first-time_newbie\"><\/span>1. Win as a first-time newbie<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Maybe it\u2019s your first or second hackathon and you don\u2019t know what you should do or how your skills may help the team. Don\u2019t worry. Take your time to learn how hackathons work, its key components and what skills are required from the participants. Don\u2019t wait for someone to give you tasks. Ask for them, propose ideas, brainstorm with your team members. Help teammates on their tasks, practice pair programming or review the design and suggest ideas. Discuss with mentors and ask for advice not only about the hackathon but also personal\/professional topics. See what tools other participants use, like programming languages, code editors, design <a href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/category\/download-scripts-themes-apps\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"9\" title=\"Download Scripts &amp; Themes &amp; Apps\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">app<\/a>s, planning and collaborative tools. Ask why they prefer these tools over others.<\/p>\n<p>The action list:<\/p>\n<p>\u2013 Ask for tasks<br \/>\u2013 Help your teammates<br \/>\u2013 Speak with mentors<br \/>\u2013 Learn new tools<br \/>\u2013 Have fun<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Win_as_a_programmer\"><\/span>2. Win as a programmer<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Apparently you\u2019re already familiar with some programming languages, tools and frameworks to build web\/mobile apps. You can use the hackathon to showcase your coding skills and learn new languages and frameworks. If you already know the backend, try doing the prototype in another language or framework. Or for this hackathon, try switching to frontend. Focus on learning specific libraries. Watch tutorials, read articles on best practice. Use as many features as possible from the library to understand pros and cons of using it, see use cases and alternatives.<\/p>\n<p>The action list:<\/p>\n<p>\u2013 Learn a new language\/framework\/library<br \/>\u2013 Try a different programming domain (gaming\/backend\/frontend\/machine learning)<br \/>\u2013 Discuss best practice with other programmers<br \/>\u2013 Teach newbie programmers<br \/>\u2013 Have fun<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Win_as_a_designer\"><\/span>3. Win as a designer<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>At most hackathons, there isn\u2019t time for complex coding solutions. In fact, sometimes the most impressive designs win without any backend implementation. As a designer, you should understand that you\u2019re able to save your team with an amazing UI and UX. Moreover, don\u2019t forget to focus on learning new things. Try doing a mobile\/desktop\/10-foot design for your app. You may also try different tools or design systems. Use a prototyping tool that will simulate the behavior of a real app.<\/p>\n<p>The action list:<\/p>\n<p>\u2013 Make several sketches for your application<br \/>\u2013 Try using tools other than those used before<br \/>\u2013 Consult with your team<br \/>\u2013 Have fun<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Win_as_a_speaker\"><\/span>4. Win as a speaker<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Each team has to delegate a person who will introduce their final product to the public. Usually, the speaker has to start preparing the presentation from the beginning of the hackathon, because judges will only see what the speaker presents. So, you have to convince them all that your solution is the best. Remember that a simple and clear demonstration is the key!<\/p>\n<p>To get the maximum benefits of a hackathon as a speaker, you can exercise expressing your ideas in front of your teammates, where you can pay attention to your posture, gestures, and how you deliver your speech. Going through these steps, you will become more confident and convincing, qualities which are crucial for a great speaker.<\/p>\n<p>The action list:<\/p>\n<p>\u2013 Plan your presentation flow<br \/>\u2013 Try expressing your solution clearly<br \/>\u2013 Rehearse in front of your teammates<br \/>\u2013 Have fun<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Win_as_a_manager\"><\/span>5. Win as a manager<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Being a manager at a hackathon, you have to adapt to short term projects.There are several things you can do to deliver an MVP on time. You can distribute the tasks to your team members depending on their capacities, so make sure everyone is involved and does their best to achieve the common goal. Try setting up meetings every 5-6 hours to discuss with your team about updates and next steps. Also, a good practice is to divide tasks into subtasks to be able to monitor the process of implementation. Ensure that everyone understands their duties and performs well.<\/p>\n<p>The action list:<\/p>\n<p>\u2013 Setup regular meetings with your team<br \/>\u2013 Practise time management<br \/>\u2013 Try dividing the responsibilities into subtasks<br \/>\u2013 Have fun<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Win_as_a_mentor\"><\/span>6. Win as a mentor<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>A hackathon mentor is like the professor for all participants. Your role as a mentor is to arouse enthusiasm and demonstrate your willingness to help. Additionally, you can strengthen your knowledge by teaching others things you\u2019re good at. Also, you could recommend the newest tools and frameworks you have already worked with. Furthermore, you can share particular situations you\u2019ve faced and how you managed to solve them. Try explaining using straightforward methods and make sure everyone understands what you want to say. You can even prepare a presentation to cover the main topics of the hackathon, including some hacks and tricks.<\/p>\n<p>The action list:<\/p>\n<p>\u2013 Prepare a presentation covering hackathon topic<br \/>\u2013 Approach each team to see everybody\u2019s progress<br \/>\u2013 Propose your help<br \/>\u2013 Share your experience<br \/>\u2013 Have fun<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_Win_as_a_host\"><\/span>7. Win as a host<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The host has the most significant duties and responsibilities during a hackathon. As organizers, you can make this event go well for people to remain with positive emotions. You could organize some extra activities for fun, for instance, interactive or board <a href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/category\/game\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"7\" title=\"Game\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">game<\/a>s, maybe quizzes or challenges. Also, try informing everyone about each phase of the hackathon so everybody could manage their time.<\/p>\n<p>The action list:<\/p>\n<p>\u2013 Prepare a plan to arrange each phase of the event on time<br \/>\u2013 Make sure everyone is aware of hackathon\u2019s schedule<br \/>\u2013 Announce when the meals are ready<br \/>\u2013 Try making photos\/videos to capture the most colourful moments<br \/>\u2013 Have fun<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8_Win_as_a_volunteer\"><\/span>8. Win as a volunteer<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>As a volunteer, you get to see the inside process of how a hackathon is organized. You may get involved in searching for partners and funds, mentors and speakers. As a suggestion, try engaging yourself in as many activities as possible to find out what you like to do the most. You may try your management skills to properly estimate the resources, or you can demonstrate your great communication skills when speaking with sponsors and partners.<\/p>\n<p>The action list:<\/p>\n<p>\u2013 Try several roles and activities<br \/>\u2013 Make connections among participants and organisers<br \/>\u2013 Widen your circle of friends<br \/>\u2013 Have fun<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"9_Win_as_a_sponsoring_company\"><\/span>9. Win as a sponsoring company<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>IT Companies are very supportive when it comes about sponsoring hackathons. This is a win-win collaboration for both companies and participants. Individuals familiarize themselves with the culture of these companies and may apply for their jobs and internships. Companies, on the other hand, may propose several job offers to some talented and diligent candidates. Also, companies may offer symbolic prizes to all participants to make everyone feel rewarded.<\/p>\n<p>The action list:<\/p>\n<p>\u2013 Give attention to every team<br \/>\u2013 Invite participants to interviews<br \/>\u2013 Promote your company\u2019s values<br \/>\u2013 Organise workshops regarding hackathon topic<br \/>\u2013 Have fun\n                        <\/div>\n<blockquote><p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">If you liked the article, do not forget to share it with your friends. Follow us on\u00a0<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/news.google.com\/publications\/CAAqBwgKMLG0nwswvr63Aw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Google News<\/a><\/span>\u00a0too, click on the star and choose us from your favorites.<\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">For forums sites go to <span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><a style=\"color: #ff9900;\" href=\"https:\/\/forum.buradabiliyorum.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Forum.BuradaBiliyorum.Com<\/a><\/span><\/strong>\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>If you want to read more like this article, you can visit our <span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><a style=\"color: #ff9900;\" href=\"https:\/\/en.buradabiliyorum.com\/technology\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Technology category.<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"color: black;\"><a style=\"color: #ff9900;\" href=\"https:\/\/thenextweb.com\/news\/win-a-hackathon-without-coming-first-place\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Source<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&#8220;How to win a hackathon \u2014 without coming in first place&#8221; This\u00a0article\u00a0was originally published on .cult by Drago\u0219 Strainu.\u00a0.cult\u00a0is a Berlin-based community platform for developers. We write about all things career-related, make original documentaries, and share heaps of other untold developer stories from around the world. From my experience at hackathons, I understand that it\u2019s&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":477333,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/img-cdn.tnwcdn.com\/image\/tnw?filter_last=1&fit=1280,640&url=https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2021\/07\/python-code.jpg&signature=381734fcda63033359d3b1c53b875634","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[18],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-477332","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-technology"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/477332","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=477332"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/477332\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/477333"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=477332"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=477332"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=477332"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}