Participant resources
How to win a hackathon: Advice from 5 seasoned judges
Take a look inside the inner workings of the judging process from some of our most experienced hackathon judges.
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Here’s how Pratyay, a Devpost user, has learned the value of teamwork and collaboration through hackathons.
Meet Pratyay Banerjee. With more than 30 winning projects under his belt, Pratyay credits his experience in hackathons for his growth as a developer, a team member, and an individual. Here’s what he had to say about his experience with Devpost hackathons and how they helped him learn to collaborate with team members around the world.
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They fuel my motivation and excitement to develop projects that tackle real-life challenges. It's an amazing experience to brainstorm ideas, collaborate with talented folks, and come up with innovative solutions that can make a positive impact on people's lives.
“I have gained so much from being part of this community—learning and improving my coding standards through Devpost hackathons, making close friends through organizing events, and overcoming my insecurities in the tech space,” said Pratyay Banerjee.
Hackathons also provide an incredible opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, professionals, and mentors who can offer valuable insights and guidance. I get to expand my network, learn from others, and discover new industries and technologies that I may not have explored otherwise. Hackathons push me to push my limits, dive into emerging technologies, and contribute to the progress of society. It's truly a thrilling journey of growth and exploration!
The real challenge came when my teammates were scattered across different time zones. Here I was in India, while they were in the US, Germany, and Canada. Coordinating our schedules and working together took careful planning and flexibility. But you know what made it worth it? The excitement and adrenaline of the hackathon atmosphere, combined with the chance to collaborate with talented folks from around the globe. It was like a rollercoaster ride of sleepless nights and exhilarating experiences.
To tackle those all-nighters, I developed a strategy. I made sure to get enough rest before the hackathon, powered through with short power naps when I could, and set realistic goals to stay focused. Communication with my teammates was key, even with those time zone hurdles. We had clear channels and regular check-ins to keep everyone in sync. And it worked!
The value of collaboration and teamwork! Working with diverse individuals with different skills and backgrounds can lead to incredible results. I discovered the power of effective communication, task delegation, and leveraging each team member's strengths. By fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, we were able to listen to different perspectives and combine our knowledge to solve complex problems. This skill of teamwork has not only helped me succeed in hackathons but has also been crucial in my professional career, where collaboration is often essential for project success.
Hackathons are not just about winning. They are about learning, growing, and having fun. So, enjoy the journey and make the most out of the experience!
I believe that the hacker persona is often misrepresented and misunderstood. Many people think of hackers as isolated individuals who work alone in dark rooms, breaking into computer systems for personal gain. However, I see the hacker community in a different light. To me, hackers are scrappy and resourceful builders who collaborate with other like-minded individuals to build projects that can bring positive change to the world.
We’re overjoyed to hear how impactful hackathons have been in your life, Pratyay! We hope to see you continuing to build and grow with us.
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