Technology
11 Reasons Why You Should Attend GHC 2023
Technology, knowledge exchange & networking
If you are a woman studying computing, engineering, math or any area related to STEM, I strongly recommend you to search more about AnitaB.org, Systers, ACM-W, and Grace Hopper Celebration (GHC), their events, workshops, and initiatives to support women in computing.
In 2017, it was my first time attending GHC, the world’s largest conference for women in computing. It was also my first year on a scholarship (thank you, Stripe!).
In 2018, I attended GHC as a Pass It On award winner, with a women’s crowdfunding project with my sister. I was also representing Dell as a recruiter. I also gave a session on Mentorship.
In 2019, I was a recruiter for Dell, and it was there that I met Ana Veroneze and Carolina Moreira, friends and my two co-founders at Brazilian in Tech (BiT). Our passion for changing the scenario of including more women in technology united us, and so BiT was created.
The Grace Hopper Celebration conference is named after Grace Hopper, an American computer scientist (inventor of one of the first computer compilers).
Grace Hopper Celebration is a conference full of inspiration, energy and thousands of amazing women from various countries.
They also run a GHC in India: AnitaBorg India.
If you feel a minority in your engineering classes, going to GHC will make you close to amazing women in STEM: women like you.
Below, I list 11 reasons why you will be super excited to attend GHC 2023:
Networking
You will build (or expand) your networking network: as a scholarship (or as an attendee), you will have access to a hundred sessions, workshops, and hands-on labs, and will be able to meet other women and make connections.
Use this time to learn more about them and their journeys, ask for feedback from your resume and find mentors.
Fields in Tech
You will learn more about different fields in technology, as the conference has sessions and workshops on Robotics, VR/AR, project management, software development, blockchain, product management, etc.
Self-Discovery
You will learn more about yourself-your passions in technology, your strengths and weaknesses. You will find other women in the same boat as you. You will see that you are not alone.
You will feel that your fears are so tiny compared with your strength.
Meet with people from the company of your dreams
You (most likely) will get an interview with the company of your dreams. You will need to prepare, and upload your resume in the conference database, research positions in companies for you to apply, and make copies of your resume to bring with you to the conference.
If you are participating in the conference virtually, prepare your Pitch Elevator and have your LinkedIn page ready, to send to recruiters.
I prepared two resources to help you:
- Download an Elevator Pitch Cheatsheet
- Download two resume templates
- Check my other resources here
Open Source Learning
You will find out what an Open Source Day is. I had never participated in a hackathon or code-a-thon before. I participated during GHC, and loved it!
Inspire and Get Inspired!
You will leave the conference feeling very inspired! I am sure you will also inspire other girls you will meet there.
In 2017, I saw, in person, very inspiring people: Melinda Gates, Dr. Fe-Fi, Dr. Sue Black, Megan Smith (former Barack Obama government), and many others.
Friendships
You will make friends! I have met wonderful people in all the years I participated in the conference: Brazilian, Asian, and American, among others.
Meeting other women from different nationalities and sharing various experiences has always been one of my conference’s highlights.
Connect With Your Own Community
You will find people from your own country: as an international student and professional, it was wonderful to hear other women speaking Portuguese in the hallways.
Meeting other women of your own nationality who are thriving in another country, especially in technology, is very inspiring (and empowering!).
Traveling
You will enjoy a lot of Orlando, Florida! Yes, you will attend the sessions, get inspired, and go to the career fair. You will work hard and have time to play hard, as well!
Plan to go a few days before and stay a few days after the conference to enjoy the city. I’m sure you won’t regret it.
Full-Time & Internship Offers
You will (probably) get a job offer. Uhu!
The chances of getting an interview and work offer at GHC are very high! But again, you need to prepare (tip: if your biggest conference goal is to get a job or internship, I recommend that you spend most of the 1st and 2nd of the conference at the career fair and talking to recruiters.
I say this because the company can schedule an interview for you on the second or third day of the event).
Empowerment
Last but not least, you will feel empowered, and your sense of belonging will increase. You will (I hope :)) feel the same way I felt: encouraged to help and support other women who want to pursue their careers in technology.
The video below I recorded at the conference in 2017. It was very impactful for me. It’s very short, and I hope you enjoy it:
Regardless of your goal at the conference (learning new techniques, expanding your networking, seeking a full-time or internship job, or watching the presentations), you will surely enjoy it a lot!
This year, 2023, the event will be hybrid. Scholarships are open for GHC 2023, and I wrote an article on how to write a strong application for this year’s conference.
Are you looking for a mentor for your career development? I can help you! Find more about my career services here:
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