1. Read the fine print. Make sure to read the details of the hackathon. Some events might not apply to you. If they are only looking for web developers then you potentially need not apply. Make sure you have the time needed to dedicate to the event. Some hackathons are all weekend long and if you know you’ve got brunch plans on Sunday, don’t go because you need to be dedicated to your team. Also make sure the challenge is something that you would be interested in working on for eight hours or more.
2. Spirit of collaboration. Some hackathons ask you to have a team. Divvying up the task might be better for you to complete your project on time. If you know someone who could be perfect and you work well with, invite them out. If not, you might be able to meet someone on site — but no guarantees. (Disclaimer: make sure you have good synergy in the beginning with your teammates.)
3. Computer Needed. Be prepared, have a laptop and any programs downloaded and ready to go before the start of the event. Imagine realizing your computer doesn’t have enough space or RAM and you can’t finish your project. You and your team would be extremely disappointed.
4. IDEAS, IDEAS, IDEAS. Have an idea to pitch. Some people who are highly experienced don’t have ideas, they are waiting to work with someone with a cool idea. Make sure this isn’t anything proprietary unless you already have something built. It’s better to come up with an idea you are willing to collaborate on if you don’t have a team already.
5. Ask for help. A lot of people are open to helping if you have questions, before and during the hackathon. A lot will have Q&A sessions, consultants or mentors available at your disposal. Don’t be afraid to ask what something means and for ways to make what you’re creating more awesome.
If you would like to find hackathons in your area, you can search Eventbrite.com, and hackevents.co.
Hackathons are great opportunities for burgeoning entrepreneurs. If you prep correctly you can learn new skills, meet great people, launch a new venture or win an amazing prize.
Victoria Coker is an entrepreneur. She graduated from St. John’s University with a Bachelor’s in communication arts. Ms. Coker has more than 10 years of design and marketing experience. In the past, she has worked in the digital marketing space for one of the leading advertising technology firms. In January of 2015, she founded the video streaming platform, ClredContent.com, a website that primarily features web series created by black media makers. Ms. Coker wants to amplify the voices of black people in media and believes by sharing their narratives she can help. Follow her on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and on ClredContent.com.
