Three Key Takeaways from My Hackathon Experience

#Keybank Hackathon 2024, September 25-26th

Over the course of last two days, after working for 14-16 hours on an idea, I was tasked with distilling vast amounts of information into just 3-4 minutes of content for the pitch. This process felt like standing in a room filled with floating blocks of information, all of which couldn't fit through a small hole at once. The challenge was to identify which pieces of information mattered the most that can pass through that hole of priority, and that taught me a valuable lesson in prioritizing what truly matters among vast swaths of useful information.

Next, another layer of difficulty was introduced: time dimension. Picture it like a special operations team grabbing crucial documents before the helicopter leaves. You only have so much time to pick up what you already know important. This added urgency showed me that even within the important information I've already prioritized, there's another level of priority—called critical is needed sometime, prioritizing the priorities.

The third, and perhaps the most important lesson, was understanding the pressure of communicating while the timer is ticking. Speaking to someone about critical points when the clock is running forces you to be precise. It reminded me of the need for clarity and focus on communication, especially in high-stakes environments.

Sometimes, learning through experience is the most effective teacher. This hackathon didn't just test our technical skills; it offered profound insights into decision-making, time management, teamwork, leadership and the art of communication. I walked away with valuable takeaways that will shape how I approach challenges in the future.

#Hackathon #LearningExperience #Prioritization #TimeManagement #CommunicationSkills #PersonalGrowth #Tech