How Being a Google Developer Student Club Lead Shaped My Journey - Ayan Masood

The Beginning: Seeking Direction

Coming from a third-tier college, opportunities were scarce, and information was limited. Like many of my peers, I found myself constantly seeking guidance from seniors, hoping they could illuminate the path ahead. Unfortunately, they were often just as unsure as we were. This left me feeling lost and confused about my future.

It was in this moment of uncertainty that I made a pivotal decision. I vowed to become the change I wished to see in my college. My goal was clear: to gain so much knowledge and experience that I could be the mentor I never had, guiding juniors on their journey with confidence and clarity.

The Turning Point: Discovering Google Developer Groups (GDG)

Fortune smiled upon me when I learned about a GDG event happening nearby. Little did I know that attending this meetup would change the course of my life. For the first time, I was exposed to a world of possibilities I never knew existed. The energy, the knowledge shared, and the community spirit ignited a fire within me.

Inspired by what I had experienced, I dove headfirst into researching Google's various initiatives. That's when I stumbled upon the Google Developer Student Clubs (GDSC) program. The timing was nothing short of miraculous – I discovered this opportunity just one week before the application deadline!

The Application Process: A Test of Determination

The application asked three crucial questions:

1. What is your motivation to run a Google Developer Student Club at your Institution?

2. What is your experience in leading a project or a team?

3. What is your experience with technology?

Additionally, we had to record a 90-second video explaining why we were the right person to be a GDSC Leader at our institution.

I poured my heart and soul into those answers and that video, determined to seize this opportunity. The timeline that followed was a test of patience:

• March: Submitted my application

• April: Received a link for an aptitude test

• May: Invited for an interview

• July 16th: The day everything changed – I was selected as the GDSC Lead for my college!

Embracing the Role: Planning for Change

With the support of GDSC behind me, I was ready to bring about the change I had envisioned. My first step was to invest in my own growth, upskilling myself to better serve my peers and juniors. Next, I set out to build a GDSC core team – not just a team, but a family united by a shared vision.

I made it my mission to instill in my team the importance of selflessness and the joy of helping others. We were not just there to learn, but to lift up our entire community.

A Year of Incredible Achievements

Before I knew it, a year had flown by, and my tenure was drawing to a close. Looking back, I'm amazed at what we accomplished:

• Hosted 21+ events

• Achieved Tier 1 status in Google Cloud Study Jams

• Built the highest community engagement in the shortest time at our college

• Collaborated with AngelHack, one of the biggest company in the tech field

• Organized numerous workshops featuring prominent speakers

• Achieved Tier 2 status in Gen AI Study Jams

The Power of Teamwork

None of this would have been possible without my incredible GDSC Core team. Their dedication, creativity, and passion were the driving force behind our success. From UI/UX design to cybersecurity, from app development to event management, each member brought their unique skills and enthusiasm to the table.

A Message to Future Leaders

To anyone reading this who feels lost or unsure about their path, remember: every great journey begins with a single step. Don't be afraid to seek out opportunities, even if they seem out of reach. Your determination and passion can open doors you never knew existed.

As the saying goes, "Be the change you wish to see in the world." This experience has taught me that with dedication, teamwork, and a willingness to learn, we can create ripples of positive change that extend far beyond ourselves.

The Ripple Effect: Opportunities Beyond GDSC

The impact of my GDSC journey extends far beyond the immediate achievements of our club. The opportunities that have opened up for me are truly uncountable, each one a testament to the power of community engagement and leadership.

Through GDSC, I've had the chance to:

• Network with industry professionals and thought leaders

• Attend exclusive tech conferences and workshops

• Participate in hackathons and coding competitions at a national level

• Gain early access to cutting-edge technologies and beta programs

• Develop soft skills that are invaluable in any career path

• Mentor others and watch them grow, which is incredibly rewarding

Perhaps most importantly, being a GDSC Lead has given me a platform to make a real difference in my community. It's opened doors I never knew existed and helped me discover potential within myself that I hadn't realized was there.

The connections I've made, the skills I've developed, and the confidence I've gained through this experience have set me on a trajectory I could never have imagined when I first stepped into that GDG event. It's a powerful reminder that sometimes, the greatest opportunities come from the most unexpected places.

To anyone considering taking on a leadership role or joining a tech community: take that leap. The rewards may be greater than you can possibly imagine. Your journey, like mine, could be the start of something truly transformative – not just for you, but for all those you'll inspire along the way.