Highlights from my WE Bootcamp Experience

Hey, connections!

I am absolutely thrilled to have recently been part of the Google WE Program Cohort 6 June bootcamp! This incredible journey, sponsored by Google and conducted by TalentSprint , was a unique blend of learning, mentorship, and networking.

For those unfamiliar, the Google WE Program is designed to empower first-year female students pursuing B. Tech in IT, CSE, ECE, and related fields. The selection process, which I successfully navigated earlier this year, included an online aptitude test, a coding round, an English skills test, and an online interview. It was a moment of immense joy when I received the news of my selection in February!

The bootcamp was a three-week immersive experience aimed at fostering professional interaction, cohesive learning, and corporate development. It transformed our online interactions via Zoom into an enriching in-person journey that took place at the Indian Institute of Information Technology Hyderabad from June 8 to June 29.

Over the course of three weeks, we delved deep into computational thinking and problem-solving using Python. We learned to work with WSL and command-line tools, Git, basics of cryptography, and industry tools like LaTeX, Sphinx, and Graphviz. We even ventured into basic object-oriented programming in Python through mini-projects such as creating bots for Wordle and Mastermind, and designing crossword puzzles. These projects were instrumental in enhancing our teamwork and quick problem-solving abilities.

A heartfelt thanks to our exceptional mentors, Asokan Pichai and Aruvi Badrinath , whose guidance was invaluable. Asokan personally inspired me by emphasizing the importance of writing clean, readable, and professional code, and he drastically changed the way we approached problem-solving. Aruvi significantly improved our team management skills and encouraged us to find information on topics of interest independently. I am profoundly grateful to have received their mentorship. 

Along with the technical part of my bootcamp experience, our corporate skills sessions were equally enlightening. We explored the concept of Ikigai, the power of mentorship, strategies to ace interviews, effective ways of organized note-taking, and the art of maintaining a polished online profile. We also delved into concepts like professionalism in the workplace, impactful presentation techniques, and effective public speaking. Special gratitude to Sphoorthy V and Kunisha Reddy for their invaluable mentorship and for helping us become more confident and professional individuals.

Among the standout sessions was one led by Jennifer Youngblood , which provided a fascinating look into global hiring trends and offered crucial insights into the job market. We also had sessions on DEI Impact Across Geographies, Finance Technology (FinTech), and Feminist Science and Technology Studies (FSTS).

Additionally, we also attended alumni interaction sessions with our amazing WE seniors: Nidhi Iyer , Mauli Mehulkumar Patel , Muskan Walia and Harshitha A.V.L . These interactions were incredibly engaging, allowing us to connect with former program participants who shared their experiences and insights, making all of us feel more connected and inspired in our journeys, and fostering a sense of community amongst everyone who is or has formerly been a part of the WE program.

Other than that, I am grateful to also have been a part of panel discussions that offered valuable opportunities to engage with key leaders from TalentSprint, providing us with firsthand perspectives and advice from top executives.

A major highlight was our visit to the Google office in Hyderabad, where we had the opportunity to interact with employees and Google interns from the WE program. This visit offered a firsthand glimpse into the corporate world and the vibrant work culture at Google. I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Rohan Malik for being our host for the office tour and addressing all our queries.

Learning alongside 160+ talented women from across the country was incredibly refreshing and empowering. This bootcamp has truly been a transformative experience, and I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a remarkable program. The lessons learned and the connections made will undoubtedly shape my future in the tech industry.

Thank you to everyone who made this journey possible!