This work reflects my effort to address the challenge of maintaining consistency in competitive coding practice, which is often difficult to sustain. To tackle this, I organized a small group consisting of peers from previous course offering from RKMVERI who share an interest in competitive coding. We meet biweekly to discuss selected problems based on specific topics using Google Meet. During these sessions, we explore algorithms, design optimal solutions, and submit them on LeetCode to evaluate their time complexity. I chose Python as the primary language for this activity mainly due to personal preference. Python is widely used in machine learning and deep learning, and its ability to support rapid prototyping makes it especially convenient. It allows us to implement solutions quickly with minimal code, which is well-suited to the goals of this group.

From a career perspective, proficiency in competitive coding and data structures and algorithms is crucial. Whether applying for software development positions or research scientist roles, most industry jobs require a screening process that involves solving such problems. Engaging in these biweekly sessions helps me approach this otherwise mundane task with more motivation and accountability. Initially, I believed that regular practice in competitive coding would build the kind of muscle memory needed to excel. However, I realized that the problems I will eventually face may differ and may not require the same type of muscle memory to succeed. Nevertheless, these sessions remain valuable, as they provide a structured opportunity to meet, discuss interesting problems, and keep up the practice consistently.

We will begin with data structures and algorithmic problem-solving before gradually moving on to competitive coding. It is important to note that competitive coding is challenging without a solid understanding of data structures, and most companies focus heavily on DSA questions during job interviews. For the first three to four months, we will practice DSA problems on LeetCode, after which we will shift to solving competitive programming challenges on Codeforces. We might shift to C++ or related languages for efficiency, but still not sure if we make it to that stage.