Becoming a programmer isn’t easy, and joining the community is a great way to network and connect—especially as a student.
For student developers, actively participating in a community with like-minded people is one of the best ways to grow and stay accountable. Getting involved in the right community will connect you with other students and allow you to learn from your peers and be inspired.
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However, finding the right, student-friendly developer community that fits your goals can be difficult without the right guidance. In this article, we have compiled a list of the best student developer communities that can support your career journey. Join us as we explore each type and give you the lowdown on them.
1. Google Developer Student Club (GDSC)
If you’ve ever wanted the chance to be a part of Google’s bustling community, this is a great opportunity. Currently available on more than 1,900 campuses and 100 countries, this community is free and open to all student developers. So you have a place here regardless of your background, program of study, level of experience, level of technology or expertise.
GDSC programs aimed at equipping students with technical knowledge are directly sponsored by Google. Led by your school leadership and a select team, you have access to unique Google training materials and resources.
Of course, you must augment your continuous learning with hands-on practice to enhance development. So instead of getting stuck in an endless learning cycle, GDSC helps you put your coding and technology skills to work by building real-world solutions. The Popular Solutions Challenge provides an opportunity to innovate a viable business solution to a modern-day problem.
GDSC also hones your networking and public speaking skills, while creating a forum for global connection.
2. Intel Student Ambassador Program
Technology is evolving every day and creating advanced devices and gadgets. But did you know you can be part of this development, even as a student? The Intel Student Ambassador program gives you access to current Intel hardware and a deep dive into Intel’s computer engineering and software innovations.
Regardless of whether your preferred path is oneAPI or IoT, this role requires you to expose Intel Software Development Tools. More importantly, you’ll facilitate student workshops and build team projects using Intel resources and technology. Participating and organizing these activities allows you to meet and network with other developer students and technology enthusiasts.
Of course, Intel rewards student ambassadors with a wealth of rewards, including access to the latest Intel technology developments and the Intel Developer Cloud. You also have the opportunity to receive invitations to Intel events, training programs, and internships.
3. DEV Community
While physical meetups may be more engaging, online developer communities are often more convenient. So if you’re a busier student, this is a great alternative.
The DEV Community, or Dev.to, is an online forum built to help software developers collaborate and learn from each other. Built on Forem, this community is open source, making it easy for you to contribute to the platform’s codebase.
Here you’ll find educational videos, tutorials, and articles that address a variety of development issues. They give you access to a variety of software, applications, and development languages. Additionally, you can access several podcasts from experienced developers to help you navigate your programming career and maintain a good work-life balance.
One advantage of this online community is the convenient “Tags” feature, which gives you quick access to selected topics and sub-communities. Under the #students tag, you can find exciting internship offers, job opportunities, student-related articles, and developer advice tailored specifically for students. Just create an account to access and enjoy these perks.
4. Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador (MLSA)
Being part of big tech is an exciting prospect, and Microsoft MLSA brings this thrill to you on campus. So if you are passionate about Microsoft innovations and technology then this is for you.
As a Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador, you will help organize programs to help your students better understand Microsoft technologies. By sharing technical knowledge about products like Azure, Visual Studio, and Windows, you’ll simultaneously develop your public speaking skills and increase your knowledge.
Furthermore, you’ll help build a tech community on your campus where students can share tech-related interests and find mentors. Naturally, this responsibility comes with benefits and opportunities for you to advance from Alpha (beginner) to Gold (top). Some of these perks include access to the Windows Insider Program as well as other special events and recognition from Microsoft to raise your developer profile.
5. GitHub Education’s GitHub School Specialist Program
It’s no surprise that knowledge of GitHub is essential for any developer. GitHub School experts work together to increase students’ knowledge of Git, GitHub, version control, and open source contributions.
Unlike previous communities that had few requirements, this program requires you to actively use GitHub for at least six months. This way, you can familiarize yourself with the application and increase your ability to mentor students and answer their questions. You can also organize competitions like hackathons and workshops to increase their appreciation for open source.
Of course, participating in this program gives you access to other experts on GitHub campuses around the world, increasing your chances of making global connections. However, to qualify, you must have the GitHub Student Developer Plan and go through a 6-week training period.
6. AWS Cloud Club
Have you ever wondered about Amazon Web Services or AWS? Amazon recently launched the AWS Cloud Club to train students on their web services. These clubs are growing exponentially every day, with over 8,000 members in 19 countries worldwide.
Becoming a member includes organizing events, spreading AWS knowledge, and delivering solutions to improve local businesses using AWS technology. Meanwhile, club captains can showcase their articles on the community blog, thereby honing their technical writing skills. Additionally, they are rewarded with perks such as AWS certification exam vouchers and resume reviews.
AWS also offers the AWS Student Center, where you can access workshops, tutorials, and technical blog articles as a student. Ultimately, like other international school ambassador programs, applying good networking tips and active participation will help you build a solid network.
Become a better developer with the student community
Starting your development journey as a student can be challenging and a difficult road to walk alone. However, by joining the community, you can better understand some of these challenges and learn how to solve them quickly from your peers. In record time, you can learn, grow, and maximize your programming potential within a community of students.
Furthermore, these communities can enhance your skill diversification as you work on projects with a team and learn from shared insights. Ultimately, you will become a proficient developer and be prepared for great career opportunities from reputable employers.
Categories: Tips & Tricks
Source: Tekmonk Bio
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