What is Google Summer of Code?

Let’s get ready for GSoC 2021

This blog post contains the content of a guest session i did for IEEE CS Club of University of Moratuwa on “Introduction to Google Summer of Code”. The slide set can be found here at https://www.slideshare.net/KalanaWijethunga1/what-is-google-summer-of-code

I’ll share my proposal soon on a separate blog post

Artwork by IEEE CS Club of University of Moratuwa

Introduction

Google Summer of Code is a

• Open Source Summer Internship Programme
• Held from May to August
• Happening for the 17th year

Students engage in a 10 week long programming project with an open source organization during their summer break.

16000+ students from 111+ countries have contributed 38Mn+ code to GSoC so far

How it Works

• Organizations publish their projects — The list of selected projects will be announced by Google on March 10th
• Students apply for projects — Students research about the projects and submit proposals
• Students work on the project with the guidance from the selected organization — Selected students get a chance to work with the relevant organization team for 3 months to complete their projects

Why participate in GSoC

• One time referral for a job at Google
• Experience — 2 internships by the time you graduate
• Recognition — Star feature in a resume
• Huge boost in your professional network — International Connections
• If all else does not interest you, Money — $3000 USD for a Sri Lankan student in 2020

Application Process

• Choose an organization
• Choose a project
• Start contributing/ researching the project
• Write a project proposal
• Submit upto 3 proposals through GSoC website

Getting started with an organization

• Visit the organization website
• Research about their projects
• Join their channels
• Setup the project
• Try to do small bug fixes
• Talk to members of the organization

Choosing the right project

• Find the GSoC projects of the organization for 2021
• Identify projects falling in your area of interest
• Explore the project idea
• Check whether you have the requested skills
• Talk to mentors
• Start writing the project proposal

Tips

• Consistency is the key
• Don’t give up
• Encourage each other
• Be in constant touch with the team/mentors
• Try to work in a familiar field
• Have a good understanding of the project before starting to write the project proposal

Good Luck !!