30 Days, 30 Hacks: Mastering Your US Master's Journey

Disclaimer: I am in no way associated with GHC organization, this newsletter is purposed to promote the idea of GHC and provide resources to incoming/existing Master’s Cohort.

P.S. I am a vGHC’23 scholar and will be attending the conference virtually feel free to say hello.

What is GHC? The Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing (GHC) is the world's largest gathering of women in technology. It's an annual conference that honors the legacy of Grace Hopper, a pioneering computer scientist, and is dedicated to advancing women's participation in the field of computing. GHC brings together women technologists, including students, professionals, researchers, and industry leaders, to celebrate achievements, share experiences, and promote diversity and inclusion in tech.

How is GHC Hosted? GHC is hosted by the AnitaB.org organization, formerly known as the Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology. AnitaB.org is a nonprofit organization committed to advancing women in technology. The conference typically takes place in a major city in the United States, with venues large enough to accommodate thousands of attendees. GHC features a wide range of activities, including keynote speeches, technical sessions, workshops, panels, a career fair, and networking events. It typically spans several days and covers a diverse set of topics related to technology and computing.

Advantages for Students through GHC:

1. Networking:

• Peer Connections: GHC brings together students from diverse backgrounds and institutions, allowing you to connect with like-minded peers who share your passion for technology.

• Mentorship: You can seek out mentors among experienced professionals and academics who attend the conference. These mentors can provide guidance, advice, and career support.

• Industry Contacts: Interacting with industry professionals and recruiters can lead to valuable contacts that may help you secure internships or job opportunities in the future.

• Alumni Network: Many universities and organizations have GHC alumni groups, which can serve as a long-term network for career development and support.

2. Career Opportunities:

• Direct Engagement: The GHC career fair provides a unique opportunity to directly engage with representatives from top tech companies. You can learn about job openings, submit your resume, and even interview on-site.

• Exposure to Companies: Smaller or less well-known companies also participate, offering a chance to discover a wide range of potential employers.

• Internship Connections: Many companies use GHC to recruit interns, making it an excellent platform for students seeking internships that can serve as a stepping stone to a full-time career.

3. Professional Development:

• Technical Workshops: GHC hosts technical workshops that cover a variety of topics, allowing students to gain hands-on experience and develop new skills.

• Career Workshops: You can attend sessions focused on resume building, interview techniques, and career advancement strategies.

• Leadership Development: Some sessions focus on leadership and soft skills development, helping you become a well-rounded professional.

4. Inspiration:

• Keynote Speakers: Renowned tech leaders often deliver inspiring keynote speeches, sharing their personal journeys and insights into the industry. These talks can be particularly motivating for students.

• Diverse Success Stories: GHC highlights diverse success stories, showcasing the achievements of women and underrepresented groups in tech, which can inspire students to overcome challenges and pursue their goals.

5. Diversity and Inclusion:

• Diversity Panels: GHC hosts panels and discussions on diversity and inclusion in tech, offering students a platform to engage with important issues and contribute to the conversation.

• Networking with Advocates: You can network with individuals and organizations actively promoting diversity in tech, potentially leading to opportunities to get involved in related initiatives.

6. Resume Enhancement:

• Conference Participation: Attending GHC is an impressive addition to your resume, demonstrating your commitment to your field and your active engagement in professional development.

• Presentation Opportunities: If you submit a proposal and are selected to present at GHC, it showcases your expertise and ability to contribute to your field.

7. Visibility:

• Research and Projects: Some students are invited to present their research or projects at GHC, providing a platform to showcase their work and receive feedback from a diverse and knowledgeable audience.

• Recognition: Exceptional student contributions may receive recognition through awards or mentions during the conference, further increasing visibility.

8. Scholarships:

• Financial Support: Scholarships offered by GHC can significantly reduce the financial burden of attending the conference, making it accessible to a wider range of students.

9. Community Building:

• Long-Term Bonds: The connections you establish at GHC can extend beyond the conference. You may find lifelong friends, mentors, and collaborators who support you throughout your career.

• Online Communities: Many GHC attendees stay connected through online platforms and social media, providing ongoing support and networking opportunities.

10. Learning and Growth:

• Cutting-Edge Insights: GHC provides access to the latest trends and innovations in technology through technical sessions and presentations, ensuring that you stay informed and competitive in your field.

• Hands-On Experience: Workshops and hackathons offer practical experience that can enhance your technical skills and problem-solving abilities.

• Global Perspective: Interacting with attendees from around the world exposes you to a diverse range of perspectives, enriching your educational and personal growth.

GHC is an immersive experience that combines networking, career advancement, skill development, inspiration, and a sense of belonging within the tech community, ultimately contributing to their academic and professional success in the field of computing and technology.

This is also a unique opportunity for those looking for an internship/job. The universities in the United States offer scholarships to its cohort (selective) to participate in the conference, either in-person or virtually. The scholarship can range anywhere between $500-$1000 depending on the university and their donors. The game-changing aspect of this conference is that you can take advantage of the resource - https://careercenter.anitab.org/ - you can put your resume in the resume database through guest login free of charge. This database is known to be very powerful in terms of reach, a lot of companies utilize this database for certain career opportunities and it is a sure shot way of landing an interview, even in this crazy market. Although the idea of the conference is to promote the community and accelerate women in tech, it is always important to utilize resources that they provide, it increase engagement and exposure for those trying to make a mark in the United States.

You can always apply for GHC scholarships before you come to the United States because this conference is held around September and the scholarships are known to be given away by end of July. Look for “GHC” /”vGHC” tags on LinkedIn profile and feel free to reach out to them for more information.