Insights and Lessons from Participating in the Tally Codebrewers 2023 Hackathon

Kernekoncepter

Participating in the Tally Codebrewers 2023 Hackathon provided valuable lessons in teamwork, time management, and overcoming challenges to build a successful project.

Resumé

The author, Sumit Raghuwanshi, shares his experience of participating in the Tally Codebrewers 2023 Hackathon. He describes the journey from discovering the hackathon, forming a team, and navigating the different rounds.

In the first round, the team leader (the author) completed an online quiz and a coding section, and the team was selected to move on to the second round. In the second round, the team had to choose between two tracks: Wizard of System Programming or Commander of Full Stack. They opted for the Commander of Full Stack track, which focused on web development and full-stack challenges.

The team then had 48 hours to develop a real-time speed typing game with single-player and multiplayer modes. They chose a tech stack that included React, Node.js, Socket.io, Tailwind CSS, and Firebase. During the development phase, the team faced the additional challenge of managing online assessments for campus placements, which coincided with the hackathon. Despite the exhaustion, they managed to complete and submit their project on time.

The team's project, WordsRun, was selected as one of the top 13 teams for the final demo. Although they did not win, the experience was valuable, and they were offered a three-month remote internship with Tally Solutions, which ultimately led to a pre-placement offer (PPO) interview.

The author shares key takeaways from the experience, such as the importance of collaboration, prioritizing tasks, and engaging with mentors. He also provides tips for future hackathon participants, including understanding the problem statement, focusing on basic requirements first, and preparing for demos.

Statistik

The hackathon had over 3,500+ teams, and only 201 teams were selected for the second round.
The team had to complete a 30-minute online quiz with 25 questions and a 90-minute coding round with 2 medium-to-hard level questions.

Citater

"With determination and teamwork, we can overcome big challenges. It showed us that with passion and dedication, we can tackle any obstacle and achieve our goals."
"Carefully read and understand the problem statement. It's key to picking the right tech stack and crafting a fitting solution."
"Clearly explain your project's logic and decisions during the demo. Be ready for questions and focus on presenting your work well."

Vigtigste indsigter udtrukket fra

Top Insights from My Tally Codebrewers 2023 Hackathon Experience

by Sumit Raghuw... kl. sumitraghuwanshi.medium.... 07-30-2024

https://sumitraghuwanshi.medium.com/top-insights-from-my-tally-codebrewers-2023-hackathon-experience-bfdab7313250

Dybere Forespørgsler

How can hackathons be designed to better support participants in balancing their academic and extracurricular commitments?

Hackathons can be designed to better support participants in balancing their academic and extracurricular commitments by implementing the following strategies:

Flexible Scheduling: Allow participants to choose from different time slots or offer extended durations for the hackathon. This flexibility enables students to work around their academic schedules and other commitments.

Preparation Period: Provide participants with the problem statement in advance to allow for preliminary research and planning. This way, participants can manage their time more effectively during the hackathon.

Virtual Participation: Offer the option for virtual participation in hackathons. This allows participants to join remotely, reducing the need for travel and accommodation, making it easier to balance academic and extracurricular responsibilities.

Mentor Support: Assign mentors who can provide guidance and support before and during the hackathon. Mentors can help participants navigate challenges and offer advice on time management.

Post-Hackathon Engagement: Organize follow-up sessions or workshops after the hackathon to help participants reflect on their experience, learn from it, and apply those learnings to their academic and extracurricular pursuits.

How can hackathons be designed to better support participants in balancing their academic and extracurricular commitments?

To build a well-rounded and complementary team for a hackathon, beyond just technical skills, consider the following strategies:

Diverse Skill Sets: Look for team members with a diverse range of skills, including technical expertise, design abilities, project management skills, and domain knowledge. This diversity ensures that the team can tackle various aspects of the project effectively.

Effective Communication: Prioritize team members who can communicate clearly and collaborate efficiently. Strong communication skills are essential for sharing ideas, resolving conflicts, and working cohesively towards a common goal.

Adaptability: Choose team members who are adaptable and open to learning new technologies or approaches during the hackathon. Flexibility is crucial in navigating unexpected challenges and adjusting strategies as needed.

Problem-Solving Abilities: Seek individuals who demonstrate strong problem-solving skills and critical thinking. These team members can analyze complex issues, propose innovative solutions, and overcome obstacles effectively.

Team Dynamics: Consider the interpersonal dynamics within the team. Look for individuals who can work well together, support each other, and maintain a positive team spirit throughout the hackathon.

How can the mentorship and feedback process in hackathons be improved to provide more valuable and actionable guidance to participants?

To enhance the mentorship and feedback process in hackathons and provide more valuable guidance to participants, the following improvements can be implemented:

Personalized Guidance: Assign mentors based on the specific needs and expertise of each team. Tailoring mentorship to the project requirements and team dynamics ensures that participants receive relevant and personalized guidance.

Regular Check-Ins: Schedule frequent check-ins with mentors to provide updates on the project progress, address challenges, and seek advice. Regular communication allows for timely feedback and course corrections.

Constructive Criticism: Encourage mentors to provide constructive criticism that highlights both strengths and areas for improvement. This feedback should be actionable, specific, and aimed at helping participants enhance their project outcomes.

Skill Development: Offer mentorship sessions focused on skill development and best practices in coding, design, project management, and presentation. These sessions can equip participants with valuable insights and techniques to excel in the hackathon.

Post-Hackathon Follow-Up: Extend mentorship beyond the hackathon by providing opportunities for continued support and guidance. Post-hackathon feedback sessions can help participants reflect on their experience, learn from mistakes, and grow their skills for future endeavors.