My Experience as a Devcon Scholar

What is Devcon 5?

“Devcon is the Ethereum conference for developers, researchers, thinkers, and makers. Devcon is an annual gathering held by the Ethereum Foundation. This empowers them to use decentralized systems.”

Where is it being held this year?

In 2019, the conference is being held in Osaka, Japan from October 8–11. Previous locations include Prague, Czech Republic and Cancun, Mexico.

What is the Ethereum Foundation?

Ethereum Foundation is a Swiss non-for-profit company which has a focus on Ether crypto-currency. They are about in this excerpt “Ethereum is a global, open-source platform for decentralized applications. On Ethereum, you can write code that controls digital value, runs exactly as programmed, and is accessible anywhere in the world.” Basically educating people about blockchain and the many different technical areas, even if not familiar with it.

What exactly happens at Devcon?

There is going to be four action-packed days with networking events in the morning and in the evenings, plus loads of entertainment activities at night. We start the day at 9am until 6pm in the evening, however, free food and drinks will be out for the hungry attendees. The main language will be in English with Japanese translation.

What is the Devcon Scholar?

The Devcon 5 scholarship is a program to provide equal opportunity to attend Devcon, meaning anyone who is from any under-represented or disadvanted groups such as women in technology, people with disabilities, LGBTQIA, low-income, living in war zones or other circumstances. As for me, I belong to the people with disabilities and women in technology initiatives.

This program only launched in 2018 so Ethereum Foundation is still learning the ropes of different people’s needs. As a Devcon Scholar, you get free entry to the conference which normally costs around $1,200 per ticket. This year’s conference price was $999 for a ticket, but even that I could not afford it because I am currently unemployed but seeking some employment and studying Cyber Security in vocational education. Therefore, having this opportunity, allows a better diversity representation from different backgrounds.

How did I apply?

I found this through a Slack channel feed of MusesCodeJS on a whim, had a look at what it was about and applied with a series of questions on Typeform. Such things included if you were part of any under-represented group and any knowledge of the blockchain world. It also asked if you would like to connect with employers from the blockchain community for an internship. Thankfully my passion for learning new skillsets and networking helped me stand out.

What do I get?

There are perks of this scholarship such as the Devcon Ticket, arranged flight and accommodation, travel stipend and daily meals. I also got the opportunity to learn from Consensys about Blockchain theory, systems, designs and development. As mentioned before, there will be plenty of networking events with employers and Awards night for all scholars.

What do I have to do?

There are certain requirements of the scholarship which are editing your resume before giving to companies, complete tasks on the Bounties Network, do Consensys Introduction to Blockchain course and having your elevator pitches ready to introduce yourself to companies.

I am humbled to have this opportunity to learn about blockchain through a conference in another country.

If you are interested in connecting with me and learning more about my experience, find me on LinkedIn.

Disclaimer: The views expressed by the author above do not necessarily represent the views of the Ethereum Foundation.