How can you use a hackathon to build your Industrial Engineering network?

2 Prepare yourself and your pitch

Before you attend a hackathon, you need to prepare yourself and your pitch. You need to have a clear idea of what problem you want to solve, what solution you want to propose, and what value you can add to a team. You also need to have a portfolio of your previous projects, skills, and achievements that you can showcase to potential teammates and mentors. You can use online platforms like LinkedIn, GitHub, or Behance to create and share your portfolio. You also need to practice your pitch, which is a short and compelling presentation of your idea and yourself. You can use tools like PowerPoint, Prezi, or Canva to create and rehearse your pitch.

3 Network with purpose and passion

One of the main benefits of hackathons is the opportunity to network with people who share your passion and curiosity. You can meet and connect with other Industrial Engineers, as well as programmers, designers, mentors, judges, and sponsors. You can exchange ideas, feedback, and contacts, and build lasting professional relationships. To network effectively, you need to be proactive, respectful, and genuine. You need to approach people with a clear purpose and a positive attitude, and show interest in their work and goals. You also need to follow up with them after the hackathon, and keep in touch through email, social media, or phone.

5 Showcase your work and results

Finally, hackathons are a great way to showcase your work and results to a wider audience. You can demonstrate your Industrial Engineering skills, knowledge, and creativity, and impress potential employers, investors, or partners. You can also highlight your achievements, such as winning a prize, receiving positive feedback, or creating a prototype. You can use platforms like Medium, Twitter, or Instagram to share your work and results with your network and the public. You can also use tools like Tableau, Power BI, or Google Analytics to measure and report your impact and outcomes.

Hackathons are more than just fun and exciting events. They are also valuable opportunities to build your Industrial Engineering network, learn new skills, and showcase your talents. By following these tips, you can make the most of hackathons and advance your career as an Industrial Engineer.

6 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?