You're interested in Information Systems. How can you gain the most from attending hackathons?

1 Choose your hackathon wisely

Not all hackathons are the same. Some are more competitive, some are more educational, some are more focused on a specific theme or technology, and some are more open-ended. Before you sign up for a hackathon, do some research on the organizers, the sponsors, the judges, the prizes, the rules, and the expectations. Choose a hackathon that matches your interests, goals, and skill level. You don't want to waste your time and energy on a hackathon that is too easy, too hard, or too irrelevant for you.

2 Form or join a balanced team

One of the key factors for a successful hackathon experience is having a good team. A good team is composed of people who have diverse skills, complementary strengths, and compatible personalities. You can either form your own team with people you know and trust, or join a team with strangers who share your vision and enthusiasm. Either way, make sure you communicate clearly, respect each other's opinions, and distribute the work fairly. You don't want to end up with a team that is too large, too small, or too conflicted.

3 Plan and prioritize your project

Once you have your team and your hackathon, you need to decide what you're going to build. A good project is one that is feasible, original, and impactful. You need to have a clear problem statement, a realistic scope, and a compelling value proposition. You also need to have a plan for how you're going to design, develop, test, and present your project. You need to prioritize the most important features, the most critical tasks, and the most relevant tools. You don't want to waste your time on a project that is too vague, too ambitious, or too boring.

4 Learn and apply new skills

One of the main benefits of attending hackathons is that you can learn new skills and apply them in a practical context. Whether it's a new programming language, a new framework, a new API, or a new methodology, you can use hackathons as an opportunity to expand your knowledge and challenge yourself. You can also learn from your teammates, your mentors, your competitors, and your judges. You can ask questions, seek feedback, share insights, and exchange tips. You don't want to miss the chance to improve your skills and grow your confidence.

5 Network and showcase your work

Another benefit of attending hackathons is that you can network with other professionals and showcase your work to potential employers, investors, or customers. You can meet people who have similar interests, goals, and backgrounds as you, and build lasting relationships. You can also impress people who have more experience, influence, or resources than you, and create new opportunities. You need to have a professional attitude, a polished presentation, and a portfolio-ready project. You don't want to lose the opportunity to make a good impression and a lasting impact.

6 Follow up and keep in touch

The hackathon doesn't end when the event is over. You need to follow up with your team, your contacts, your organizers, and your sponsors. You need to thank them for their support, their feedback, their collaboration, and their recognition. You also need to keep in touch with them and update them on your progress, your achievements, your challenges, and your plans. You might want to continue working on your project, apply for a job, seek funding, or join another hackathon. You don't want to let go of the connections and the opportunities you've created.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?