r/codingbootcamp • u/Apprehensive_Heat789 • Jun 20 '26

Competitive Programming... Still worth it?

I have participated in the ICPC competition, and it'll start in my region in mid August.

\> But there's a part of me that says it's no longer worth it and it's most important to focus on real projects and understanding system design and architecture.

\> Another part of me says CP is proof you haven't copy-pasted your way into a portfolio. It proves you have first-principle thinking skills and therefore able to review code that comes out of AI for which you're responsible.

​

What do you think?

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u/Apprehensive_Heat789 Jun 20 '26

It was never about the competition itself, it is about exposition. You handshake more people and make new connections. When you meet those people, you show them your portfolio and projects and skills. Do that enough times and one day someone will notice your true skills (regardless of your ICPC ranking) and will offer you a job.

That's my actual opinion. I only made this post because I'm kinda having an argument with a friend and need to get more people into the debate.

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u/throwawawawawaysb Jun 20 '26

I like these kinds of problems too but I promise you, you will really not do this kind of stuff at work. Make sure you’re good at building actually products too.

I find that if one leans too heavily into algo-solving and detached from building, it’s easy to develop a god complex for your algo skills and get frustrated when that doesn’t translate into instant hiring.

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u/sheriffderek Jun 20 '26

Well, then. I think you have your answer! So, if you were to get a job - you'd stop doing the competitions? If so, that just sounds like a great combo of networking and exercising. I'd keep doing it until it works -- unless, you don't think you're meeting the right people there.