Debating on Participating in a Hackathon?

What you need to know about HackViolet at Virginia Tech 

HackViolet, hosted by the Association of Women in Computing (a student-run non-profit organization), is Virginia Tech’s 24 hour hackathon that encourages individuals to bridge the gender gap in the technology field. According to a 2025 study by TechTarget, women currently occupy only 27% of tech occupations. Additionally, women are significantly less likely to receive promotions, leadership roles, and overall opportunities. It is significant to have tech organizations and initiatives that focus on bridging this gap. HackViolet will be taking place at Virginia Tech on January 31st to February 1st in the Spring 2026 semester.   

Hackathons are a great way to gain exposure and experience in the field of Computer Science. Many students avoid hackathons as they believe you need to know how to code an entire project prior to participating in one, but this is a common misconception. Many hackathons, including HackViolet, require no prior coding knowledge and often have workshops that help students build technical skills. Most students who attended HackViolet last year had never coded a day in their life, and were initially stressed and nervous about being at a Hackathon. After following up with these individuals post-Hackathon, many of them stated that they learned so much and were able to write basic code from the knowledge learned in the workshops. Over a two day period, these students showed commitment and grew to be strong, motivated students. Many of these students also stated that they were going to pursue a minor in Computer Science or develop a project to further their skills. 

Hackathons foster a collaborative environment in which students are able to come together to solve real problems through innovation and code solutions. Additionally, it is a great opportunity to network and meet recruiters in a low-stress environment while getting advice on how to further your academic and professional career. Some students will interact with recruiters at Hackathons, explain their projects, meet them again at their college career fair and be a memorable individual who has shown drive, determination, and motivation. 

What did I do as an executive member? 

As the Company Relations chair for HackViolet last year, I was responsible for contacting sponsors, conducting sponsorship meetings, planning and preparing sponsor presentations, developing the sponsorship packet, and raising funds for the hackathon. However, this year as Marketing Director I have had a new experience and learned new skills. As Marketing Director for the upcoming 2026 season, I am responsible for planning, executing, and developing our social media content to promote HackViolet on and off campus. As both company relations chair and marketing director, I was able to gain valuable connections to a plethora of companies, improve my communication and leadership skills, and make some amazing friends! 

Whether you’re a mentor, volunteer, participant, or future executive board member, I highly encourage students with an interest in computing to consider joining HackViolet. It’s an incredible way to grow your skills, expand your network, and gain experiences that will shape your computer science career. Personally, it has been one of the most rewarding learning experiences, and I can’t wait for this year’s hackathon!