The process to become GDSC Lead!
Receiving the selection mail for GDSC Lead on 12th July 2022 brought me an overwhelming sense of happiness and joy! I was thrilled to have been chosen for this prestigious role and felt grateful for the opportunity to make a positive impact on my community. But now I want that every other person who can create a meaningful impact running this community should apply for GDSC lead, so here’s my experience when I applied-
What is GDSC?
GDSC stands for Google Developer Student Clubs, and it is a program run by Google for university students who are interested in learning about and developing their skills in technology. The program is led by student volunteers called GDSC Leads who organize workshops, events, and community outreach activities to help their fellow students learn more about topics such as machine learning, mobile development, and web development. GDSC Leads are typically undergraduate or graduate students who have a strong interest in technology and a foundational knowledge of software development. They receive support from Google in the form of resources, training, and mentorship to help them run successful events and build a thriving community of technology enthusiasts on their campus.
The Application Journey (Application Link) :
First, you will need to provide your personal details, such as your name, phone number, gender, and email address. You will also be asked to fill in a nomination code if you have one.
Nomination code- A nomination code is a unique code that is given to current Google Developer Student Club (GDSC) Leads, which they can then provide to up to three students that they wish to nominate for the GDSC Lead position. The code serves as a way for Google to track and verify the nominations made by current GDSC Leads.
When a student receives a nomination code from a GDSC Lead, they can use it to apply for the GDSC Lead position on the Google Developer Student Clubs website. The nomination code will be linked to the GDSC Lead who provided it, and their referral will be taken into consideration during the selection process.
Note: It’s important to note that receiving a nomination code from a current Google Developer Student Clubs (GDSC) Lead does not guarantee selection as a GDSC Lead. The nomination code simply serves as a recommendation from the GDSC Lead and helps the Google Developer Student Clubs team to identify potential candidates for the GDSC Lead position.
Interested candidates who receive a nomination code will still need to go through the standard application process on the Google Developer Student Clubs website, which includes submitting an application and going through several rounds of evaluation.
Further, you will be asked about your college name and Social Links then you need to answer 3 essay questions, I currently don’t have the paragraphs that I wrote so, can’t provide you with that but yes I can suggest what you can write:
1. What is your motivation to run a Google Developer Student Club at your Institution?
If asked this question, you should mention their previous experiences of being part of various communities, both online and offline, and the benefits they have gained from these experiences such as connecting with like-minded individuals, sharing ideas, and learning from others.
You should also mention what inspires you to run a community, which is usually the sense of purpose and fulfillment that comes from making a positive impact on others.
Basically, you should discuss how you believe GDSC would impact your community. This could include the provision of a platform for students to learn and develop their skills in technology, hosting events and workshops to help students develop both technical and soft skills, and creating networking opportunities with industry professionals, which could lead to new career paths.
2. What is your experience in leading a project or a team?
When answering this question, one should provide specific examples of their experience leading a project or team. You should highlight your accomplishments, such as completing a project on time and within budget or successfully managing a team to achieve a goal.
You should also discuss the challenges you faced as a team leader, such as managing conflicting priorities and personalities, handling unexpected setbacks or obstacles, or managing team members with differing levels of skills or experience. You should explain how they addressed these challenges, whether through effective communication, delegation, conflict resolution, or other methods.
You should also discuss the best part of being a team leader for you. This could include the sense of accomplishment that comes from seeing a project through to completion, the satisfaction of mentoring and developing team members, or the opportunity to learn new skills and take on new challenges.
3. What is your experience with technology?
When answering this question, one should provide specific examples of your experience with technology, such as any programming languages or tools you have used or any projects you have worked on that involve technology.
You should also discuss the developer technology you find most interesting and why. This could be anything from a specific programming language to a particular platform or tool. You should explain why you find it interesting, such as the potential it has to solve complex problems or the opportunities it creates for innovation and creativity.
You should also discuss the role that technology has in the community, such as how it can be used to promote collaboration and communication or to address social and environmental challenges.
When discussing how you have shared your experiences with technology products and platforms with others, you could mention any mentoring or teaching you have done, any talks or presentations you have given, or any articles or blog posts you have written.
Also, you should discuss how your academic studies are integrating or exploring technology. This could involve any classes you have taken that involve programming or software development, any research projects you have worked on that involve technology or any extracurricular activities you have participated in that involve technology. You should explain how these experiences have helped you develop your skills and knowledge in technology.
Introduction Video:
- Introduce yourself: Start by introducing yourself and telling a bit about your background and interests. Highlight your passion for technology and why you are interested in becoming a GDSC Leader.
- Share your experiences: Talk about your experience with technology, any coding projects you have worked on, and any leadership roles you have had in the past. Highlight your strengths as a leader and how you have overcome challenges in the past.
- Discuss your vision for GDSC: Share your ideas for the GDSC community at your institution. Discuss the events and activities you would like to organize and how you plan to engage with other students.
- Be authentic: Above all, be yourself and let your passion for technology shine through. Show us why you are the right person to lead the GDSC community at your institution.
Once you have recorded your video, make sure to upload it to YouTube and provide the URL in your application.
Diagnostic Test:
The GDSC team didn’t include a diagnostic test as part of the application process at the time when I applied for the position however, for this year the GDSC team hasn’t yet given any information about this test but certainly will as the application period is finished.
Interview Round:
Once you are shortlisted for the interview round, you will receive an email with instructions on selecting your interview slot. I highly recommend selecting a slot that is convenient for you and making sure to provide accurate information while filling up the details as per the instructions mentioned in the email. It is important to be punctual and well-prepared for the interview as it is a crucial step in the selection process.
During my interview, the interviewer was very professional and asked direct questions without any confusion. Initially, I was asked to introduce myself, where I talked about my current position, achievements, responsibilities, and interests. Then, the interviewer asked about my contributions to the communities I had been a part of, and I explained the work I had done in various clubs and communities. When asked why I was interested in becoming a lead, I mentioned my desire to continue making a positive impact in the community. The interviewer also asked me about the projects I had worked on, and I discussed one completed project and two projects that were currently in progress. Finally, I was given an opportunity to ask questions, and I had none at the time. Overall, the interview went smoothly, and the interviewer’s approach was straightforward, which helped me to present myself in the best possible way.
The interview round is conducted nationwide, and it takes considerable time to interview every student who has applied. Therefore, it usually takes a month to complete the interview process. As a result, the results are typically announced in July, and all candidates are informed of their selection via email.
Ultimately, the selection of GDSC Leads is based on a combination of factors, including the candidate’s technical skills, leadership potential, passion for community building, and fit with the goals and values of the Google Developer Student Clubs program.
If you’re selected to become a GDSC Lead, you will receive support and resources from Google to help you build a thriving community of technology enthusiasts on your campus.
I hope this blog answers most of your questions. If you have any further inquiries, please do not hesitate to reach out to me on LinkedIn.
Good luck to everyone who is applying to become a GDSC lead. Your efforts and contributions are important for shaping the future of technology and community building.
