When we think of hackathons, images of sleep-deprived coders, intense competition, and innovative solutions often come to mind. But Hack’n’Lead is not just any hackathon. It’s an experience, a journey, and, for many, a turning point in their professional lives. The consistent feedback we receive, regardless of the source, gives a snapshot of the events’ vibe: It’s not just about coding or winning; it’s about collaboration, sharing knowledge, and fostering a family-like environment. Yes, there’s competition, but it’s overshadowed by the spirit of camaraderie and the desire to uplift one another. And let’s not forget that Hack’n’Lead is Switzerland’s first women-friendly hackathon.
Measuring the Immeasurable
One might wonder, how do you measure the impact of an event or initiative like this? Sure, we can start by counting the number of participants, mentors, sponsoring companies, and hours of work dedicated by each team. But to talk about Hack’n’Lead without focusing on the immeasurable impact would be a mistake.
Real Stories, Real Impact
For many past participants, Hack’n’Lead was a game-changing experience that took their careers to the next level. Whether it was boosting their confidence, exploring new career paths, bumping into their next boss, getting real hands-on experience in software development, or figuring out what skills they needed to improve. Just ask past participants, Tanya, Marina, Stavroula (Laura), and Catherine, whose feedback confirms exactly that.
Tanya Golubev, recalls her experience, emphasizing the confidence boost she received. For her, Hack’n’Lead was more than just an event; it was a chance to reassess her skills, understand her strengths, and realize that neither gender nor race should limit anyone’s participation in the tech world.
Marina Kraus, who participated in Hack’n’Lead in 2019, took a leap of faith, participating in the hackathon with limited coding experience. Her story is a testament to the event’s inclusive nature, where she not only honed her coding skills but also connected with a diverse community. Her team’s experience was enriched by the challenge, learning, and networking opportunities that Hack’n’Lead provided.
Stavroula (Laura) Skylaki found her future job through networking at the event. After participating in the Hack’n’Lead hackathon, she took on a challenge from Thomson Reuters Lab, which eventually led her to her current role at Thomson Reuters Labs. This story underscores the power of in-person connections, where meeting face-to-face can sometimes bypass the standard CV check, opening doors to incredible opportunities.
Catherine Kosten’s journey is particularly inspiring. Participating in Hack’n’Lead not only gave her a confidence boost but also reaffirmed her place in the tech industry. Despite coming from a non-traditional tech background, Catherine realized that diversity is essential in the tech world. Her experience at Hack’n’Lead convinced her of her worth and the value she brings to the table.
In Conclusion
Hack’n’Lead is more than just numbers and statistics. It’s about the real stories of individuals who found confidence, connections, and a sense of belonging. It’s about realizing that everyone, regardless of their background, has a place in the tech industry. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or someone contemplating a shift to the tech field, Hack’n’Lead is a learning and networking opportunity that can help shape your career in many ways.
And the good news is that the 3rd edition of Hack’n’Lead is taking place in Zurich on November 11-12. As a women-friendly and inclusive initiative, Hack’n’Lead welcomes women and all genders, especially those starting or transitioning to tech, to explore new career paths, learn new skills, innovate with cutting-edge technology, and network with inspiring professionals.
If you’re interested in participating, applications for Hack’n’Lead 2023 are open until the 22nd of October but act fast! Spots are limited and fill up on a rolling basis. Apply here!
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