Hackathon - A Litmus test for Machine Learning Talents

Practicality has its own benefits as it provides direct insight into the talents of an individual. With companies being more focussed on hiring prospects with practical experience, this is a paradigm shifting trend from the usual recruitment process.

Hackathon is the new age Litmus test for Machine Learning individuals to better understand the capability and depth of their abilities. Ideas had been driving the globe for centuries and it is the business’ which have now roped in big and brilliant ideas as their linchpin to success.

While analysing the value of a Hackathon from a participant’s perspective, it is rather lucrative to walk away with a programming experience, cash prize and a finished project, all the while the sponsors and investors can find and seek out talented developers from the crowd based on their requirements.

How Hackathon is an easy way to Identify Talent?

• Self-learners Vs Proficients

Thanks to the online diaspora, learning anything has become easier than ever. With channels rolling out free learning videos on YouTube and short-term online courses on programming. There is a sizeable population who are aware of these programming platforms and avenues, however, there can be some difference between a Tyro and a Pro, which Hackathons can be a perfect way to segregate the best from the rest.

• All the talent under one roof

Hackathons are a good exercise that involves inviting a large group of talented programmers under one roof, which can prove advantageous for companies as they do not have to individually sort and select programmers through some gruelling interview processes and help save a significant amount of time for the recruiters.

• No Nervous Nellies around

More often than not, a talented person potentially goes through a bout of nervousness when sitting in for an interview and does not perform at their desired or actual level. This is potentially a hurdle to find the right candidate for the company in question and Hackathons are a perfect fix for this problem. Since it’s a simulated competition between peers, participants can wholeheartedly display their talent without getting knocked down by the onset of nervousness.

• An unconventional way to develop camaraderie

Conventional interviews can be inadequate at times to understand a person and judge their talents, however, Hackathons which span across 2-3 days can prove beneficial in understanding the participants. Internal Hackathons can be a great exercise for companies to further increase employee engagement and camaraderie. It can kickstart a slew of healthy competitions between employees.

• Ushers API Adoption and influx of new Ideas

Hackathons are a good way to usher Application Programming Interface (API) adoption which has multiple benefits ranging from developing new apps and smoothen the supply-chain function to updating inventory and work automation. With Hackathons, companies can get into the corpus of fresh ideas which can replace the old ways of working.  At present, a majority of the Fortune 500 companies that are in this field or use to some way conduct Hackathons as a way to tap into Machine Learning professionals' minds to hopefully unlock or release ideas that can help further their cause.

• Insight

With the things fast changing and modernising in India, where there is a lack of proficient machine learning prospects, Hackathons can prove to be an ultimate gateway of acquiring prospective employee database, boost employer brand and present a great opportunity to meet developers under one roof. Companies such as Google, Reliance, Paypal and others are using this simulated competition to acquire new talent. Hackathons provide an excellent platform for young professionals and aspirants alike to showcase their talents to companies.