I am lucky enough to be one of Google's Women Techmakers Scholars. This is an amazing award given to women studying a technology subject, such as computer science or engineering. When applying for the scholarship I wanted to find out as much as I could but it was difficult to find out information about the application process. For this reason I wanted to note my experience when applying for the scholarship.
1. The Application Form
The first step of the process was an application form. The first part of the form was to upload your CV. This is the only opportunity you get to upload your CV so make sure you only submit it when you are ready. This will bring you to the main part of the form which has several sections which you can take your time filling in. Most of these sections just ask for information such as your course and graduation date. Two of the sections require a bit more action from the applicant. The first of these is the reference section, this requires you to send a link to at least one reference to upload their reference in a pdf format.The next is a series of short essay questions. You have to write responses to around five essay questions all aimed at gauging your interest in technology and your role as a leader within your community.
2. The Interview
After the closing date for applications all the applications are looked at. At this point all the top candidates are shortlisted and you get an email saying that you have made the shortlist and that you have an interview. For me this took around 2 months. The interview is scheduled over Google hangouts and is roughly 30 minutes. The interview is an opportunity for you to talk about projects you have worked on in college or projects outside college. This interview is to see your enthusiasm in technology and how you have the skills and drive to be a leader in your field.It also gives you a chance to ask any questions you have about the scholarship.
3. The Wait
This is probably the hardest part, waiting. I didn't have to wait too long for the email that said congratulations but it was a long two weeks. I checked my emails often, I was really expecting bad news but I wanted to know sooner rather than later. Randomly when I was on holidays in London I decided to check my emails when I was in P.F. Changs and there it was "Congratulations on winning the Google WTM Irish University Scholarship!" I was shocked but also really excited. I immediately filled in the acceptance form and told my family.
Applying to this scholarship was a great experience not only because it ended in success but also because it taught me a lot about myself. While answering questions on the application form and in the interview I got to see how much I have been involved in my community and how I can strive to be a leader for young girls looking into studying tech.
If you are a college student in tech I would recommend applying for this scholarship especially if you don't think you will get it. Although I am no expert I do have some tips:
1. The Application Form
The first step of the process was an application form. The first part of the form was to upload your CV. This is the only opportunity you get to upload your CV so make sure you only submit it when you are ready. This will bring you to the main part of the form which has several sections which you can take your time filling in. Most of these sections just ask for information such as your course and graduation date. Two of the sections require a bit more action from the applicant. The first of these is the reference section, this requires you to send a link to at least one reference to upload their reference in a pdf format.The next is a series of short essay questions. You have to write responses to around five essay questions all aimed at gauging your interest in technology and your role as a leader within your community.
2. The Interview
After the closing date for applications all the applications are looked at. At this point all the top candidates are shortlisted and you get an email saying that you have made the shortlist and that you have an interview. For me this took around 2 months. The interview is scheduled over Google hangouts and is roughly 30 minutes. The interview is an opportunity for you to talk about projects you have worked on in college or projects outside college. This interview is to see your enthusiasm in technology and how you have the skills and drive to be a leader in your field.It also gives you a chance to ask any questions you have about the scholarship.
3. The Wait
This is probably the hardest part, waiting. I didn't have to wait too long for the email that said congratulations but it was a long two weeks. I checked my emails often, I was really expecting bad news but I wanted to know sooner rather than later. Randomly when I was on holidays in London I decided to check my emails when I was in P.F. Changs and there it was "Congratulations on winning the Google WTM Irish University Scholarship!" I was shocked but also really excited. I immediately filled in the acceptance form and told my family.
Applying to this scholarship was a great experience not only because it ended in success but also because it taught me a lot about myself. While answering questions on the application form and in the interview I got to see how much I have been involved in my community and how I can strive to be a leader for young girls looking into studying tech.
If you are a college student in tech I would recommend applying for this scholarship especially if you don't think you will get it. Although I am no expert I do have some tips:
- Make sure your CV is ready, watch videos that show you want Google look for in a CV
- Write and talk about what you know, if you talk about your own experiences you will sound more passionate because you will be more passionate
- Don't stress about the interview, it is not there to catch you out it is there for you to show off your skills and talents
- Just go for it, you wont achieve anything by doing nothing but you don't know what will happen if you apply
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