Networking for Software Developers

How to Win a Hackathon in 2025 | Complete Beginner’s Roadmap Here’s the Ultimate Hackathon Roadmap — from beginner to winner. Hackathons = Opportunity + Growth + Fun Hackathons are not just coding events—they are career-changing opportunities.   Whether you're a beginner or experienced, hackathons can boost your skills, network, and resume. Let’s break the myth:   “Only experts can win hackathons.”   Not true. With the right strategy, anyone can win. Why Hackathons Matter - Real-world projects = Real skills. - Network with industry mentors, professionals, and peers. - Winning or participating = Big resume boost. - Many companies scout talent through hackathons. Beginner? No Worries. Here's How to Start 👇 1. Basics First     - Learn HTML, CSS, JavaScript for web dev basics.     - Pick a language: Python or JavaScript (easy for beginners).     - Know Git & GitHub for collaboration. 2. Pick Your Stack     - Frontend: React, Vue, or plain HTML/CSS/JS     - Backend: Node.js, Flask, or Firebase     - Database: MongoDB or Firebase 3. Build Mini Projects    - Portfolio site     - To-do app     - Weather app     Start small, build confidence. How to Find Hackathons - Platforms: Devpost, HackerEarth, Dare2Compete, Unstop, MLH.io   - Join college hackathons or online global hackathons. Before Hackathon: Be Ready   - Form a team: 3–4 members with diverse skills.   - Learn APIs, basic UI/UX, and version control (Git).   - Explore tools like Figma, Canva, Notion. During Hackathon: Game Plan 🎮 1. Understand the Problem Statement     - Don’t rush. Read twice, brainstorm ideas. 2. Divide & Conquer    - Assign roles: frontend, backend, design, presentation. 3. Focus on MVP (Minimum Viable Product)     - Build something that works.     - Fancy UI can wait—functionality first. 4. Use Pre-built Tools     - Use libraries, APIs—don’t reinvent the wheel.     - AI tools can speed up your dev process. 5. Prepare a Clear Demo     - Record a video demo or present live.     - Explain problem, solution, tech used, and future scope. How to Win Hackathons 🏆 - Solve real problems, not generic ones.   - Clear UI, smooth UX = Big plus.   - Focus on impact, innovation, and execution.   - Pitch with confidence. Storytelling matters.  Bonus Tips for Beginners - Hackathons are learning marathons. Even if you don’t win, you gain skills, friends, and experience. - Don’t fear competition. Everyone starts somewhere. - Participate, learn, grow. Next time, you’ll win. My Hackathon Strategy (That Works) 1. Understand → Plan → Build → Present.   2. Work smart, not hard. Use templates, tools, open-source resources.   3. Stay calm under pressure. Take breaks, hydrate, and keep coding. It’s not about how much you know—it's about how well you apply what you know. Remember:   Every hackathon makes you better.   Every project makes you stronger.  Start today—the journey is worth it. Follow Vikram Gaur #Hackathon #LearnByDoing #HackathonRoadmap #GTC2025 #AI

𝗪𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗾𝘂𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗻 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱? 𝗬𝗼𝘂'𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲! After 𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 multiple hackathons, including the 𝗦𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗧 𝗜𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗔𝗡 𝗛𝗔𝗖𝗞𝗔𝗧𝗛𝗢𝗡 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯, I've learned a thing or two about what it takes to succeed. I'm excited to share some insights for those just starting their hackathon journey! Hackathons are more than just coding competitions. They're platforms to innovate, collaborate, and solve real-world problems. Here’s a breakdown: 𝟭. 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗺-𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗛𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗻𝘀: Focus on providing the best solution to a specific problem. Your idea doesn’t need to be out-of-the-box but should effectively solve the problem. 𝟮. 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗺𝗲-𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗛𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗻𝘀: These require you to solve a problem within a given theme. Unique and innovative ideas are highly valued, even if your prototype isn’t perfect. 𝟯. 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗛𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗻𝘀: The emphasis is on presenting a unique and creative solution to any problem. Think outside the box and bring fresh ideas to the table. 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗼𝘁𝘆𝗽𝗲 Once you have your idea, the next step is developing your prototype. Here are some key aspects: • 𝗪𝗲𝗯-𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀: Ensure your frontend design is exceptional. First impressions matter! • 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆: Use modern technologies to demonstrate your knowledge and skills. Implement your idea correctly and effectively. • 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: This is crucial. Clearly explain your idea, solution, and the technology used. Engage your judges and make them understand the value of your project. • 𝗖𝗼𝗱𝗲 𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆: Keep your code clean and well-commented, following best practices to ensure you don’t lose points during code reviews. 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺 Choosing the right team can make all the difference. Here’s how to build a winning team: • 𝗗𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗦𝗲𝘁𝘀: Ensure your team members have diverse skills. Include experts in frontend and backend development, data analysis, AI/ML, web3, UI/UX, etc. • 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴: A team that collaborates effectively and focuses on problem-solving will always have an edge. 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 • 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗺-𝗦𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴: Focus on solving the problem effectively. • 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Bring unique and crazy ideas to the table. • 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗼𝘁𝘆𝗽𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: Ensure a strong design, functionality, and presentation. • 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴: Create a team with diverse skills and strong collaboration. Remember, winning a hackathon is a combination of skill, strategy, and a little bit of luck. But by following these tips, you'll significantly increase your chances of success. #HackathonTips #CodingCompetition #Innovation #TeamBuilding #HackathonJourney #ProblemSolving #PrototypeDevelopment

𝐋𝐮𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐝𝐈𝐧 𝐖𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫…. 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞’𝐬 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝘔𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘴𝘤𝘳𝘰𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘯 𝘓𝘪𝘯𝘬𝘦𝘥𝘐𝘯. 𝘚𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘵. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘧𝘦𝘸 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘶𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘭𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘓𝘪𝘯𝘬𝘦𝘥𝘐𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘳 𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘵𝘩. If you want recruiters, clients, and industry leaders to notice you, here are 5 daily LinkedIn habits that will change your career: 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗕𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗦𝗰𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗹 (𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 > 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻) 📍Instead of mindlessly scrolling, drop insightful comments on 5 industry-relevant posts daily. 📍Not “Great post!” but actual value. 📍Why? Comments are more powerful than posts—they push you into new networks without an algorithmic struggle. 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁 (𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗡𝘂𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀) Send 2 meaningful connection requests daily—but personalize them. Example: ❌ “Hi, I’d like to add you to my network.” ✅ “Hey [Name], loved your take on [Topic]—would love to stay connected and exchange insights.” The difference? One is forgettable, the other builds relationships. 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝟮𝘅 𝗮 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 (𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗜𝗳 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗛𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝗮𝘆) 📍Your career lessons. 📍A challenge you faced and solved. 📍An industry trend and your take on it. 📍No need for perfection—people connect with authenticity. 𝗨𝘀𝗲 𝗗𝗠𝘀 (𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝗡𝗼 “𝗛𝗶, 𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗜 𝗣𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻?”) Instead of cold messages asking for a job, start conversations. Example DM to a recruiter: “Hey [Name], I saw your company is growing in [Industry]. I’ve been working in this space and would love to share insights. Open to a quick chat?” Notice the shift? You’re offering value, not just asking for favors. 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗪𝗵𝗼 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗬𝗼𝘂 If someone interacts with your post or profile multiple times, that’s a signal. Don’t let it go to waste—reach out, start a conversation. 💡 Small habits → Big results. Most people use LinkedIn as a job board. The smart ones use it as a networking machine. #CareerGrowth #LinkedInTips #Networking

Stop waiting for Microsoft or Google’s career page. They might just find you at a hackathon. 𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝟑/𝟏𝟎 – 𝐇𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐬 & 𝐂𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 You may have been surprised by the hook line and wondering how? In college, I used to believe hackathons and coding competitions were important, But only for adding certificates to my resume, gaining experience and adding achievement. But I was wrong, When one of my friends got selected at Amazon through a competition called Amazon Wow. That is when I realized hackathons and coding contests are not just about experience, They have become direct hiring funnels. Today, many companies prefer hiring through hackathons instead of waiting for job applications. Here are some well-known competitions and the companies behind them: 1. Big Tech like Google (Code Jam, Kick Start), Microsoft (Imagine Cup), Amazon (HackOn, Alexa Prize). 2. Large MNCs like Flipkart (GRiD), Amazon India (HackOn), Infosys (HackWithInfy), TCS (CodeVita). 3. Finance giants like JPMorgan (Code for Good), Goldman Sachs (GS Hackathon), Morgan Stanley (Code to Give). 4. Startups like Razorpay, Zomato, and Unstop-run challenges now hire directly from leaderboards. That is why are hackathons the new hiring trend? Because they reveal what no resume ever can. In just a few hours or days, companies can see: ➡️ How you think under pressure ➡️ How you collaborate in a team ➡️ How you turn an idea into something real Opportunities do not always knock at your door, Sometimes, they come disguised as a weekend hackathon you almost skipped. So if you are preparing for a tech role, do not just practice alone in silence, Show up at hackathons and compete in coding contests. Because your next offer letter may not come from the placement cell, It might just come from the hackathon you decide to join this month. #Hackathons #CodingCompetitions #Google #Microsoft #FlipkartGRID #CodeVita #HackWithInfy #CareerGrowth #SatyamSeries

🤦🏼♀️You don’t know what networking is. Sending a cold dm to a stranger on LinkedIn isn’t networking, it’s asking a stranger for help. It’s telling someone you need a job. And that’s fine and you need to do that but don’t get it twisted that is NOT networking. 🟢Networking is building relationships. 🟢Networking is getting to know other people. 🟢Networking is not about YOU. Here are some tips on how to network 1. Shift Your Mindset 🧠 Give first: Don’t just ask for favors; ask, "How can I support you?" or share helpful resources.   2. Be Selective 📈 Quality over quantity: One meaningful conversation is better than cold emailing 50 cards strangers. Personalized outreach: Never send a generic connection request. Add a note mentioning a shared interest, a recent article they wrote, or a mutual connection.   3.Long-term focus 📆 Networking is a marathon. Cultivate relationships before you actually need a job or a favor.     4. Be Ready 💃 Have your pitch down. Know your unique value proposition. Be memorable. 5. Leave the house 🚗💨 Go to in person industry events, conferences and happy hours. Play pickle ball. Go with your friend to their work event. Join a chamber of commerce. Make friends at a café. 6. Don’t be shy 🤝 How to break the ice: Approach people standing alone or in groups of three (they are easier to enter than pairs). Introduce yourself simply and ask open-ended questions like, "What brought you out here tonight?" or "What exciting projects are you working on?" 7 Follow Up 📱 The 48-hour rule: Always follow up within 48 hours of meeting, send a thank you note or a thank you. Better yet send an article or resource that connects back to the conversation you had. (Go back to step 1 be a resource) Mention something specific you discussed (e.g., "I loved hearing about your experience transitioning into tech") to jog their memory   8. Be active on social 👩🏼💻media: Share industry insights, comment on others' posts, and reach out to professionals for 15-minute informational interviews.   9- Nurture consistently 🎯 Check in occasionally with a quick text or email just to share a relevant article, say congratulations on a milestone, or see how they are doing   10- It’s not about YOU🤗Networking is about building a relationship that is mutually beneficial. GIVE VALUE. #howtonetwork #careeradvice #jobsearchtips #linkedin

If you’re applying to jobs and still waiting for recruiters to find you on LinkedIn, you’re wasting time. You need to be intentional about who you reach out to, how you reach out, and what they see when they click your profile. Here’s how I’d do it step by step: → Step 1: Find the right recruiters. Go to the search bar and type “Recruiter” + your target industry or company. Example: “Recruiter Data Science Boston” or “Recruiter Technology JPMorgan.” Then filter by: • People • Current company (if you’re targeting specific firms) • Location (if you’re on OPT/STEM OPT, stay close to your visa’s authorized area) → Step 2: Filter for those who are active. Once you see results, go to their profile and check: • When was their last post or comment? • Do they actively recruit in your domain? • Are they connected to others in your field? → Step 3: Personalize the connection request. Never send the default “I’d like to connect.” Instead, write: “Hi [Name], I’ve been following [Company]’s work in [Area] and really admire your role in building data teams. I’d love to stay connected and learn more about what you look for in candidates.” Short, professional, relevant. → Step 4: Optimize your profile before they reply. Recruiters will always click your profile. Make sure: • Your headline is specific (not just “Data Science Student”). • Your “About” section clearly states what roles you’re targeting. • You have tangible proof of work like projects, certifications, achievements. → Step 5: Stay visible. Comment on industry posts, share insights, and post your own projects or learnings. Visibility builds familiarity and familiarity builds trust. You don’t need to spam recruiters. You just need to be discoverable, credible, and intentional. #CareerDevelopment #Networking #LinkedIn #JobSearch #DataScience #InternationalStudents

Mastering the Art of Networking on LinkedIn: Here's how you can harness the power of LinkedIn to expand your professional network: 1. Optimize Your Profile for Maximum Impact: - Profile Picture: Choose a professional headshot with a clear, friendly expression. - Headline: Craft a compelling headline that encapsulates your professional identity and aspirations. - Summary: Write a detailed summary highlighting your expertise, achievements, and career goals. Use keywords relevant to your industry for better visibility. - Experience and Skills: Regularly update your experience section and list key skills to attract the right connections. 2. Engage Authentically and Regularly: - Content Engagement: Actively engage with your feed by liking, commenting, and sharing posts. Thoughtful comments can spark meaningful conversations and enhance your visibility. - Posting Frequency: Aim to post at least once a week. Share industry insights, personal achievements, or articles that add value to your network. 3. Create and Share Valuable Content: - Articles and Posts: Share your expertise through articles or insightful posts. Use storytelling to make your content relatable and engaging - Multimedia: Incorporate images, videos, or infographics to make your content visually appealing and more likely to be shared 4. Personalize Your Connection Requests: - Custom Messages: Always include a personalized message when sending connection requests. Mention a shared experience, mutual connection, or specific interest in their work - Follow-Up: If someone accepts your request, send a follow-up message thanking them and suggesting a way to collaborate or engage further 5. Leverage LinkedIn Groups and Communities: - Active Participation: Join groups related to your industry or interests and actively participate in discussions. This can help you establish credibility and connect with like-minded professionals - Starting Discussions: Initiate conversations by posting questions or sharing insights. This can increase your visibility and attract new connections 6. Utilize LinkedIn's Advanced Features: - 'Find Nearby' Feature: Use this feature at conferences or networking events to connect with professionals in your vicinity - LinkedIn Learning: Enhance your skills and showcase your commitment to professional development by completing courses on LinkedIn Learning 7. Foster Meaningful Relationships: - Virtual Coffee Chats: Regularly schedule brief virtual meetings with your connections to discuss industry trends, share advice, or explore collaboration opportunities - Recommendations and Endorsements: Request recommendations from colleagues or clients and offer to reciprocate. Endorse the skills of your connections to strengthen your relationships 8. Consistency is Key: - Regular Updates: Keep your profile updated with any new skills, experiences, or accomplishments - Engagement: Consistently engage with your network to maintain visibility and relevance #linkedin #networking

My work is done here… 🙄 What are the best ways to engage with recruiters and industry leaders on LinkedIn to build strong career connections? Engaging effectively with recruiters and industry leaders on LinkedIn can open doors to job opportunities, mentorships, and long-term professional relationships. Here are some of the best strategies: 1. Optimize Your Profile First Before reaching out: • Professional photo and compelling headline (beyond just your job title) • Well-written summary showcasing your strengths and goals • Highlight key skills, achievements, and experience • Get endorsements and recommendations ⸻ 2. Engage with Their Content • Like, comment, or share their posts meaningfully • Ask insightful questions or add value to discussions • This gets you noticed before you even reach out directly ⸻ 3. Send a Personalized Connection Request Keep it brief and specific: “Hi [Name], I admire your work in [industry/topic] and would love to connect to learn more about your insights in [shared interest or goal].” ⸻ 4. Follow Up with a Message Once connected, send a message like: “Thanks for connecting! I’ve been following your work on [topic]—really impressed. I’m exploring opportunities in [area], and would love any advice you might have.” Make it clear you value their expertise—not just trying to get a job. ⸻ 5. Add Value Before Asking • Share articles, insights, or reports they might find useful • Tag them (respectfully) in relevant posts if it fits organically ⸻ 6. Join and Participate in Industry Groups Engage in LinkedIn Groups where recruiters and leaders hang out. This shows your interest and gives more opportunities to connect meaningfully. ⸻ 7. Post Thoughtfully • Share your own content—insights, learnings, project highlights • It helps position you as someone active and engaged in your field ⸻ 8. Be Consistent, Not Pushy • Don’t bombard them with messages • Follow up after a week or two if appropriate • Be patient and persistent, not aggressive ⸻ Would you like help drafting a custom message for a recruiter or leader in your field?

A software engineer I coach told me recently: “I’ve shipped code that runs in a global tech company. But on LinkedIn, I feel invisible.” When I asked, “Do recruiters reach out to you?” The answer was no. He had 300 connections, a bare profile, and no posts. Meanwhile, equally skilled peers were landing interviews because their presence spoke for them. 👉 In 2025, your LinkedIn is often your first interview. In ANZ, hiring managers check it before your CV. If it’s blank, you’ve already lost valuable ground. Here’s how to start (without feeling like an influencer): 1. Define your audience. Don’t post for “everyone.” If you’re in engineering, product, or data, your audience is hiring managers, tech leads, and peers in your craft. 2. Build daily (weekly or even monthly) micro-visibility (15 minutes). - Connect with 1–2 relevant people (e.g. heads of engineering, PMs). - Leave 2–3 thoughtful comments. (Tip: instead of “Great post,” try: “We tried this at X but hit Y challenge — curious if others saw that too?”) 3. Post one breadcrumb of expertise each week (or month). You don’t need polish. Try prompts like: “One thing I learned debugging [tool] this week…” “A mistake I made with [framework] and what I’ll do differently…” “The best question I got from a teammate and how I answered it…” This isn’t bragging. It’s documenting. And recruiters aren’t scanning for influencers, they’re looking for proof of how you think, solve problems, and work with others. Here’s the recruiter truth: when I scan profiles, skills alone aren’t always enough. Some signals rarely show up on a CV. They show up in breadcrumbs, recent posts, thoughtful comments, or evidence you’re engaging with your craft. ↳ Are you sharing what you’re working on? ↳ Are you contributing to conversations in your field? ↳ Are you leaving proof that you’re still learning and growing? Those tiny signals give me confidence. They tell me you’re not just qualified, you’re active, relevant, and someone worth talking to. Takeaway: Your LinkedIn isn’t just a CV. It’s an active portfolio that works for you while you sleep. Start small. Show up weekly. Build trust before the interview even starts. If you’ve felt invisible online, test one of the prompts above this week. And if you want more recruiter-side insights from inside the ANZ tech hiring market, hit Follow. I share them here every week.

How did I manage to get direct interview invites at top companies like Google, Amazon and Adobe for their summer internships ? The most common query I was getting was about struggles with getting resumes shortlisted or receiving responses from top companies. I completely understand how frustrating that can be. So I want to share one solution to make companies come to you instead of the other way around - Hackathons! -> Adobe: I was among the top 50 participants in the Adobe Gensolve hackathon, which led to a direct interview invite for a Product Intern position. ->Amazon: As a semi-finalist in HackOn with Amazon, I received an interest form followed by online assessment links, which I easily cleared to secure an interview for SDE internship ->Google: To be honest I only cleared the coding round at the Google Girls Hackathon, I was surprised to receive an interest form and a follow-up call from my recruiter. ❌ A common misconception is that only winners or finalists get opportunities from hackathons. However from what I have observed is that even if it’s not explicitly mentioned, talent acquisition teams often browse through participant databases to reach out to candidates who meet their criteria. So, do participate in hiring hackathons or events for the companies you aspire to join. It can be a game-changer in your job search journey! (PS: Was also invited to Google's Intern Connect 2024 because of my participation in Google events) #Hackathons #CareerOpportunities #JobSearch #TechIndustry #Networking