How did I become a GitHub Campus Expert? 🚩

GitHub Campus Experts is a great initiative by GitHub that provides an amazing opportunity to uplift your local community. It provides the best resources and medium to help your community grow and reduce the gap between the academic syllabus and industrial-level problems. Becoming a GitHub Campus Expert was one of the most rewarding experiences of my academic journey. It’s a program designed for student leaders passionate about building communities and fostering technical collaboration on their campuses. In this blog, I'll be sharing a few tips from my experience that can help you to become one ;)

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What is a GitHub Campus Expert?

GitHub Campus Experts are student leaders who act as the bridge between GitHub and their campus communities. They receive training and resources from GitHub to organize events, teach workshops, and build inclusive and impactful technical communities. The role emphasizes leadership, technical expertise, and community building.

Who can apply to be a GitHub Campus Expert?

The candidate should meet the following eligibility criteria:

1. Enrollment in a Higher Education Institution:
   You must be a student currently enrolled in a university or college (undergraduate or graduate level).

2. Age Requirement:
   Applicants must be at least 18 years old.

3. Passion for Community Building:
   You should have a strong interest in organizing events, fostering collaboration, and creating inclusive communities.

4. Technical Enthusiasm:
   While advanced technical expertise isn’t a strict requirement, having a basic understanding of Git and GitHub is important. A passion for learning and sharing technical knowledge is key.

5. Commitment to Inclusivity:
   GitHub values diversity and inclusiveness. Applicants should demonstrate efforts to promote equity and inclusion in their communities.

6. Time Commitment:
   You should be able to dedicate time to complete the training modules and actively participate as a Campus Expert by hosting events and initiatives on your campus.

If you meet these criteria and have a genuine interest in making a difference on your campus, you're an excellent candidate to apply for the GitHub Campus Expert program!

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My Journey to Becoming a GitHub Campus Expert

Step 1: Discovering the Program

I first learned about the GitHub Campus Experts program through GitHub’s Student Developer Pack. Intrigued by the idea of fostering a tech-savvy community and hosting workshops, I decided to explore the application process. The program’s emphasis on inclusivity and leadership deeply resonated with me.

Step 2: Application Process

The application process for becoming a Campus Expert is structured and thorough, ensuring GitHub selects students who are truly passionate about community building.

1. Application Form: The first step was filling out the application form, which asked about my background, involvement in campus communities, and motivation for applying.

2. Video Introduction: I submitted a short video explaining why I wanted to become a Campus Expert. This was an opportunity to showcase my personality, communication skills, and vision for the role.

Step 3: Training Modules

Once selected, I gained access to exclusive training modules designed to equip Campus Experts with essential skills. The training covered:

• Public Speaking: Tips for delivering impactful presentations.

• Community Building: Strategies to create inclusive and thriving communities.

• Technical Event Planning: Best practices for organizing workshops, hackathons, and meetups.

• Git and GitHub: Advanced workflows to teach others effectively.

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Tips for Aspiring GitHub Campus Experts

1. Show Genuine Passion: GitHub looks for students who genuinely care about building communities. Highlight your past contributions and your vision for fostering collaboration.

2. Engage with Communities: Get involved in local or campus tech groups. Hosting events, contributing to open-source projects, or mentoring peers can set you apart.

3. Practice Storytelling: Whether it’s in your essays or video introduction, storytelling is a powerful way to convey your passion and vision.

4. Be Inclusive: GitHub values inclusivity. Showcase how you’ve created welcoming environments or plan to address diversity in tech.

5. Leverage Resources: Use GitHub’s Student Developer Pack and other tools to organize events and build your technical expertise.

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Benefits of Being a GitHub Campus Expert

1. Training and Resources: Access to exclusive training and GitHub swag to support your initiatives.

2. Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded student leaders and GitHub professionals worldwide.

3. Skill Development: Gain hands-on experience in leadership, event planning, and technical teaching.

4. Impact: Empower your peers, foster collaboration, and leave a lasting legacy on your campus.

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Becoming a GitHub Campus Expert has been a transformative journey, allowing me to grow as a leader and make a meaningful impact on my campus. If you’re passionate about technology and community building, I encourage you to apply for this program. It’s not just a title—it’s an opportunity to inspire, lead, and create a better future for the tech community.

Good luck on your journey to becoming a GitHub Campus Expert! 🎉

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