From Passion to Action: How to Become a GDSC Lead and Drive Change in your Community

Introduction

Sometimes, hidden deep down inside of us lies our untapped power called potential. I have realized that things we fear to do which our hearts yearn for are really our strengths. Figuring out how to untap this potential we fear because of our limited skills, lack of confidence, or just fear of it not working can be a puzzle. Making the first move towards solving this puzzle can open up doors we thought were unlocked forever. Sometimes that could just be making a decision. You might have had the desire to help make the world a better place, it can start by adding values to your colleagues who in turn will bring values to others and the reward becomes incremental.

Alright, I know you might be thinking where this is all going😆.

You get it right, making the decision to become a GDSC lead could be that first step you can take. In this write-up, I’ll let you know about the GDSC program, the amazing benefits that come with it which you don’t want to miss, how perfect you are to become a GDSC lead and finally, how to become one to start making impacts.

What is the GDSC program and who are GDSC Leads?

Google Developer Student Clubs are university-based groups for students interested in Google developer technologies. Students from all undergraduate or graduate programs with an interest in growing as developers are members of this club. But wait! Not only students who are interested in growing as developers are welcomed though. Students who believe in the potential of technology to solve problems from diverse backgrounds are also a part of these clubs. This diversity within the club has led to many substantial solutions developed by these clubs all around the world in line with the 17 SDGs.

Students within these clubs grow their skills and knowledge in a peer-to-peer learning environment and build solutions for local business and their communities.

GDSC leads, you probably already know, are passionate leaders at their universities who are dedicated to helping their peers learn and connect. They are undergraduate or graduate university students pursuing various degrees yet have foundational knowledge of software development concepts. Google collaborates with leads and supports them as they start and grow their own campus communities.

Does that sound like you? I believe so!

What do you do as a lead?

• Start and grow a club: You work with your university to start a student club. Create a core team and select a faculty advisor (hope you get lucky like me to find a very nice one) to support.
• Host workshops: you will organize a series of hands-on workshops and events to help students grow their knowledge on developer products and platforms. Don’t be afraid! You don’t need to have all of the technical knowledge to host these events and workshops. Yes, you don’t! That’s why you have a core team, faculty advisor and most of all the full support from Google. The GDSC team even provides speakers, contents and even schedules for events. You won’t be alone I promise. You will be a part of a huge yet loving family.
• Build projects: You will identify local partners to work with and lead project building activities.

I know I have said a lot! I can go on explaining how amazing and interesting the program is and how much impact leads are making in their communities, but that will be for another day. First, become a lead!

Benefits of being a GDSC Lead

Are there benefits for being a GDSC lead, you may be asking. YES!

Let me give you just a tip of the iceberg. Let me know if you explore the iceberg after your tenure as lead.

• Professional growth: as a lead, you will have access to community management training and technical knowledge which will improve your leadership skills. You will have invitations to be selected to attend Google events which will increase your technical and networking skills. One of the coolest experiences I had was attending Flutter Forward in Nairobi. You may attend Google I/O, who knows!
• Network growth: You will have access to a global network of student leaders, professionals, community organizers, industry experts and Google.
• Community learning: dedicated support to help educate and expand community online and in-person.

And finally, you will get a lot of love and fun from the community, especially the SSA region which I am a part of. You will feel a part and included which, I think means a lot.

Requirements of being a GDSC Lead

• Have a minimum of one year left until graduation.
• Enrolled fulltime in an undergraduate or graduate program at a college or university.
• Commit to the program for one year.
• Passionate about creating impacts in the community.
• Technical understanding of computer programming and/or software engineering.
• Have experience with planning or leading a team.
• Have connections to the local developer community.

Now, your Action Points to Become the Next Lead

• If there is a GDSC on your campus, participate and request to join the core team or volunteer so that you can have practical experience of leading and teaching the club.
• Search for some former GDSC leads on LinkedIn or here to ask for mentorship and guidance ahead of time. This will prepare you for your amazing journey as a lead. Feel free to reach out to me, I will be glad to help because I was helped also.
• Read the community organizer code of conduct.
• Submit your lead application here or request to be notified when the application opens.
• Wait for a response to follow through with the process. There will be an interview but don’t panic, it’s very easy. Just be confident.

Conclusion

Being a GDSC lead has boosted my confidence and introduced me to a lot of my potential. It has been a very insightful and educational journey so far. I will share a new article on my entire journey after my tenure as lead very soon. You don’t want to miss out on this opportunity to serve.

And hey, I will be glad to know that this article helped you in being a successful lead.

Share with me others too.