Code green: Why this tech recruiter tackled a hackathon and what she learned

As a technology recruiter for Mastercard, my job is to identify and recruit top talent. I don’t need to know how to code to spot agile thinkers and innovators, but still I jumped at the opportunity to take part in Discovery Days, Mastercard Cyber & Intelligence Solutions’ month-long innovation event that culminates in a two-day hackathon.

By stepping out of familiar territory and embracing the unknown, I discovered that everyone has something unique to offer, and growth occurs when we challenge ourselves, reinforcing the idea that success often lies just beyond the boundaries of familiarity.

During Discovery Days, participants apply what they’ve learned from a series of product presentations and knowledge-sharing sessions to create new solutions or improve existing ones. Employees from 26 offices and 13 countries formed 80 teams this year, bringing together people with different skill sets to foster a more collaborative approach to innovation and inspire more inclusive products. The teams tackled challenges ranging from friendly fraud to transaction risk to returns, with all winning ideas to be explored for potential use and patenting.

This experience taught me these three valuable lessons about the diverse thinking, pushing boundaries and owning your own career.

01
We all create value regardless of our role.

The initial stages of Discovery Days introduced me to my team members, all of whom possessed remarkable technical skills. While their expertise was impressive, it initially left me questioning my contribution to the team. As someone without coding experience, I doubted the value I could bring to our tech solutions. Nevertheless, as the hackathon progressed, I realized that my understanding of our products and services was invaluable. I served as a bridge between technical solutions and practical applications, guiding the creation of user-centered strategies.

The second day of the hackathon involved intense coding, data analysis and design refinement. Though I wasn't directly involved in the technical work, I actively participated in brainstorming and feedback sessions. Witnessing my team transform ideas into working solutions emphasized the importance of diverse skills on a team.

Employees from 16 offices, including Mastercard's Toronto office, participated in Cyber & Intelligence Solutions' annual hackathon to collaborate on cybersecurity challenges. 

02
Embracing new experiences is a confidence builder.

As the hackathon neared its end, I faced a new challenge: delivering a two-minute pitch to the judges despite not fully comprehending the technical aspects of our solution. This daunting task provided another opportunity to step out of my comfort zone, and I embraced it with determination. In the pitch, I emphasized our innovative technical solutions and their real-world applications.

It reinforced the importance of embracing new challenges, even when they seem intimidating. True growth and innovation occur when we dare to go further. I entered the hackathon with trepidation but emerged with a sense of achievement and newfound confidence.

03
Own your career, it's yours to discover.

While I may not be a coding expert or a data scientist, I possess a unique skill set and perspective that could contribute significantly. Recognizing and harnessing one's strengths is crucial, as it can make a substantial impact in unexpected ways.

The hackathon was not just about developing technical solutions; it was a transformative experience that reminded me of the power of teamwork and collaboration. It was a testament to the idea that exploring beyond our safe space can lead to personal and professional growth.