How to Get Selected for an Omdena Challenge
You have heard of Omdena. Our mission inspires you and, you have decided to apply to one of our challenges.
Thank you. We are very grateful for your interest and, we will be happy to welcome you into our growing family. :)
But what are we looking for when reviewing applications? And how can you ensure you bring it to us during the application process?
These are our topics today.
I. Know Us Better
Applying to an Omdena challenge is a lot like applying to a job or an internship. You want to know us, understand what we do and our mission to determine if you will be a good fit and if you will enjoy working with us.
Omdena,
1. Is not a competitions platform
Our challenges are not competitions. On each challenge, there is a group of 30 to 50 AI practitioners working collaboratively to solve it. Collaboration is our founding word and most important principle. At times, the team breaks up into smaller groups that tackle sub-tasks of the problem. However, the solution to the challenge is always the result of all collaborator’s work.
2. Accepts applicants at all skill levels
We pride ourselves on the diversity in the teams solving our challenges. We particularly pay close attention to having very diverse skill levels among the collaborators. Consequently, our teams are a mix of AI practitioners with years or decades of experience and of junior-level developers still trying to land their first job. This setting, besides offering growth opportunities to the participants, also ensures different perspectives while solving the challenges.
3. Needs more than just Machine Learning Engineers
Contrary to popular belief, to work on our challenges, we need more than Machine Learning Engineers. We are aware that solving a problem with AI requires a wide range of skills. Keeping this in mind, for our challenges, we also actively recruit Data Wranglers, Data Analysts, Data Scientists, and more. In short, we welcome applicants with any skill that fits into the Machine Learning problem-solving pipeline.
4. Challenges are not paid work
Working on an Omdena challenge is volunteer work, but easily one of the most rewarding work you could ever do to build real-world solutions, learn, and make an impact. For starters, our challenges are all related to social good, thus offering you a chance to give back to the world. Secondly, these are real-life problems brought to Omdena by companies or startups. As such, they are very much like the problems you might be asked to solve when you get a job so, working on them with us allows you to practice.
5. Requires *approximately* 20 hours of work a week
We ask applicants to have a weekly availability of about 20 hours at a minimum. This is, however, an approximation. The actual amount of time each collaborator will spend working on the challenge will vary considerably depending on the role he or she takes on. That said, the commitment of each participant is essential as the success of the group relies on everyone’s contribution.
Learn more about us by reading our FAQs.
II. The Application Process
We announce new challenges accepting applications on social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter). So, the easiest way to know about new challenges is to follow us. Alternatively (or additionally), you can add your email to our mailing list to be notified of new challenges.
Once you find a challenge that interests you, the next step is to apply.
1. Apply
To apply, click on the ‘Apply Now’ button at the bottom of the challenge you wish to join. The next page lists the desired skills for applicants and more details about the challenge. Read these before applying. Then, complete and submit the application form. Some basic questions on the form are: “The most complicated ML task you did and why was it so complex?” or “Why are you a good fit to join the community?”. Answer sincerely and seriously. Then, save a copy of your answers to review in preparation for the interview.
2. Interview
If your application is retained, you will be asked to schedule an informal interview. During the interview, most of the questions will be related to your answers on the application form. So, be ready to expand on all responses previously given. Also, though you won’t need to dress formally, dress appropriately because you will be asked to turn your camera on. Finally, be prepared to demonstrate your technical skills. The interview is your only chance to show us that you should join the challenge. Take it seriously.
3. Receive an acceptance mail and get to work
The number of applications we receive often exceeds the number of openings. Consequently, we, unfortunately, cannot accommodate everyone. If you are selected, you will receive an acceptance email a few days before the challenge officially starts and you will be invited to join the challenge’s Slack workspace. If you are not selected this time, don’t worry, there is more than one try. Make sure to sign up for our newsletter to be informed of future challenges.
If you do not see active or upcoming challenges on the website, join the shortlist.
III. What We Are Looking For
Now that you know more about Omdena and the application process, let’s shine the lights on what we look for in applicants.
1. Enthusiasm and passion
Enthusiasm is the most important characteristic we look for in applicants to our challenges. We are aware that committing time and effort to a project for eight weeks might be challenging. However, we also know that enthusiasm and passion make us driven. Consequently, we favor applicants that are enthusiastic about the challenge and inspired by our mission.
2. Team spirit
In Omdena challenges, all collaborators work together. To ensure successful collaboration, you must be comfortable working with a team, receiving critical feedback and, learning from others. Do not hesitate, then, to show during the interview that you are a great team player and can work collaboratively with a diverse group of individuals.
3. Technical skills
We expect you to have the necessary technical skills to help solve the challenge. For instance, if the problem of the challenge is related to Computer Vision, you should demonstrate, during the interview, experience with Computer Vision projects. Although there is no need for you to be an expert, we do expect you to be able to contribute.
4. Commitment
We are looking for people who can commit 10-20 hours weekly. The success of the group in solving the challenge depends on the effort of every member of the team. During the interview, you will have to demonstrate that you indeed have enough free time to work on the challenge.
At Omdena, we are always happy and eager to welcome new members into our family. If you are inspired by our mission and interested in the problems our challenges aim to solve, do not hesitate to apply. We guarantee it will be one of your best decisions. And we will be thrilled to have you on board.
Want to become an Omdena Collaborator and join one of our tough AI for Good challenges, apply here.
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