A Last-Minute Triumph: How Our GDSC AIT Chapter Achieved Tier 1 in the Google Cloud Study Jams
In the ever-evolving realm of technology, where innovation and advancement are the driving forces, staying ahead of the curve is paramount to success. The Google Cloud Study Jams, a global initiative aimed at cultivating cloud computing expertise among students, provided our Google Developer Student Clubs Chapter — Ahmedabad Institute of Technology with a golden opportunity to demonstrate our capabilities and leave an indelible mark. At Ahmedabad Institute of Technology, our GDSC chapter, led by Jahanvi Modi, embarked on an inspiring journey during the Google Cloud Study Jams Event 2023.
Introduction
The Google Cloud Study Jams Campaign emerged as an exceptional platform for students to delve into the intricacies of cutting-edge cloud computing technologies and harness their potential to develop groundbreaking applications. Generative AI, a rapidly expanding field, finds a prominent place within the Google Cloud Study Jams program, equipping students with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate this exciting domain.
With immense gratitude, we extend our appreciation to Krish Panchani, who was handpicked as the Facilitator for our GDSC-AIT Chapter.
A Tale of Resilience and Determination
Our adventure began with the task of enrolling our campus students in the Google Cloud Study Jams Campaign. With limited seats of 150 participants, we were thrilled to see over 114+ enthusiastic students eager to embark on this learning journey.
The campaign comprised two modules: GenAI Pathway and Google Cloud Computing Foundation Pathway. Each pathway included quizzes and hands-on labs, and the goal was to have at least 80 students complete both pathways to elevate our GDSC chapter to Tier 1.
Embracing Continuous Learning
As a facilitator, Krish Panchani attended weekly training sessions conducted by Romin Irani (A Google Cloud Developer Advocate). These sessions were invaluable, providing him with in-depth knowledge of Google Cloud technologies and Generative AI.
Equipped with this newfound expertise, Krish set out to impart his knowledge to the enrolled students. He conducted several sessions in 2 Phases, explaining the fundamentals of Google Cloud and Generative AI and guiding them through the completion of labs.
Phase 1: Igniting Curiosity — “Google Cloud Study Jams Campaign — Day 1”
The enthusiastic students, hungry for knowledge, eagerly initiated the campaign. The Inaugural session, led by Facilitator Krish Panchani and Speaker Jalshree Bhatt, unveiled the intricacies of completing pathways in Generative AI and Google Cloud. The Participants received knowledge on Generative AI, Cloud Vision API, Vertex AI, VM instance and Cloud Storage. However, challenges arose as some faced internet constraints, hindering their progress in the required labs during the Session.
Phase 2: Coordinated Solutions — “Google Cloud Study Jams Campaign — Day 2”
The Second session, guided by Krish Panchani, provided insights into Google Cloud Computing Pathways Virtual Machine, Kubernetes Engine, VPC Networks, HTTP Load Balancers, Cloud IAM, Cloud Monitoring and Google Cloud Pub/Sub . Learning spirits soared, but the impending mid-semester exams momentarily diverted attention.
Challenges and Perseverance
Our path to success was not without its obstacles. The mid-sem exams posed a significant challenge, diverting the attention of students from the Google Cloud Study Jams Campaign. While other GDSC chapters were already reaching Tier 1 with over 80 completions, our chapter was not even in any tier and struggling to stay afloat.
To overcome these hurdles, our dedicated GDSC core team devised a strategy to provide personalized assistance to the participants. We split into 12 groups, each responsible coordinator for guiding a small group of students through the labs and ensuring they gained a comprehensive understanding of the material.
The Final Push: A Collective Effort towards Tier 1
As the deadline approached, we found ourselves in Tier 2, still short of our Tier 1 goal. With determination and unwavering support from our core team, we motivated the participants to push through the final stretch.
Success Against All Odds
Our efforts paid off in the end. When the final report was received, we were ecstatic to discover that we had achieved Tier 1 status with a remarkable 88 completions. This last-minute success story was a testament to the resilience and dedication of our GDSC chapter.
The Reward? Knowledge, Skill Badges and Swags from Google Cloud itself — a significant achievement for a GDSC chapter from a Tier 3 college.
Conclusion: A Month of Growth and Community Building
Overall, the Google Cloud Study Jams program was a great success. Students who participated in the program learned valuable skills that will help them in their future careers. They also gained a deeper understanding of cloud computing and generative AI, which are two of the most important technologies of our time.
In retrospect, this month-long journey was more than just completing labs; It was about growth, learning, and community building. The dedication of the students, the hard work of coordinators, and the motivational push culminated in a triumph that surpassed expectations. It’s a testament to the power of passion and effort, showcasing what the GDSC-AIT Chapter, even from a Tier 3 college, can achieve.
