Grace Hopper Conference | Tips & Tricks | Why and How to attend?

Summary

The Grace Hopper Celebration (GHC) is the world's largest event for women in technology, celebrating their achievements and promoting equity in the field. Founded in 1994 by Dr. Anita Borg and Dr. Telle Whitney, GHC honors Grace Hopper’s legacy as a tech pioneer. The event includes networking, career fairs, technical sessions, and opportunities for scholarships and volunteering. Attendees gain access to a resume database, face-to-face interviews, and workshops, making it an invaluable experience for students and professionals alike. It's not only a career-building event but also a unique chance to meet a global community of women in tech.

Takeaways

• 😀 Grace Hopper Celebration (GHC) is the world's largest event for women in tech, honoring the legacy of Grace Hopper, a pioneering computer scientist.
• 😀 GHC was founded in 1994 by Dr. Anita Borg and Dr. Telle Whitney to inspire women in technology and promote gender equity in the field.
• 😀 The event offers a unique opportunity for women in tech to network, learn about the latest technological advancements, and celebrate achievements.
• 😀 There are three main ways to participate in GHC: register for tickets, volunteer, or apply for scholarships.
• 😀 GHC spans four days, with Day 1 focused on registration and networking, and Days 2–4 dedicated to breakout sessions, career fairs, and interviews.
• 😀 Volunteers can attend GHC for free, but they must apply early, typically in January, and be selected based on their experience.
• 😀 Many top companies like Microsoft, Twitter, and Qualcomm sponsor GHC and offer scholarships, making it a great opportunity for students and professionals.
• 😀 Attendees can upload their resumes to a database for recruiters to browse before the event, increasing the chances of getting interview calls.
• 😀 The career fair during GHC provides access to various job opportunities, and face-to-face interviews are scheduled directly at the event.
• 😀 GHC is not just about career opportunities—it's a chance to meet and connect with a global community of women in STEM fields.
• 😀 The event also includes fun social activities like after-parties, where attendees can unwind and build lasting relationships with peers and industry leaders.

Q & A

What is the Grace Hopper Celebration?

The Grace Hopper Celebration is the largest global event dedicated to celebrating women in technology. It honors the legacy of Grace Hopper, a pioneering computer scientist, and aims to inspire women in tech by providing networking, learning, and career opportunities.

Who founded the Grace Hopper Celebration?

The Grace Hopper Celebration was founded in 1994 by Dr. Anita Borg and Dr. Telle Whitney to celebrate and empower women in technology.

Why is the Grace Hopper Celebration important for women in tech?

The event is vital because it creates a platform for women to celebrate their achievements, learn from industry leaders, and network with professionals and potential employers. It fosters a sense of community and support among women in the tech field.

What were Grace Hopper's contributions to technology?

Grace Hopper was a pioneering computer scientist who developed the first compiler for computer programming languages and played a key role in the development of COBOL, a widely used programming language.

How can someone participate in the Grace Hopper Celebration?

You can participate in the Grace Hopper Celebration by registering for the event, volunteering, or applying for scholarships. Each option offers different benefits and ways to engage with the event.

What are the different registration tracks for the Grace Hopper Celebration?

There are various registration tracks including all-access passes, early bird tickets, student tickets, and career fair-only passes. You can choose the track that best suits your needs based on your status and interests.

How does the scholarship process work for the Grace Hopper Celebration?

Scholarships are offered by various companies that sponsor the event, covering registration fees for attendees. You can apply for scholarships through the event's website, but opportunities may close earlier in the year.

What is the format of the Grace Hopper Celebration?

The event spans four days. Day 1 includes registration and meet-and-greet sessions. Days 2-4 feature breakout technical sessions, career fairs, and interviews, offering attendees a chance to network and explore job opportunities.

What kind of networking opportunities does the Grace Hopper Celebration offer?

The event provides multiple networking opportunities, including meet-and-greets, breakout sessions, and career fairs. Attendees can connect with professionals, mentors, and recruiters from top tech companies.

Can men attend the Grace Hopper Celebration?

Although the Grace Hopper Celebration is primarily focused on women in tech and STEM, men can attend as well. The event is dedicated to empowering women, but it’s open to anyone who supports this mission.

What did the speaker experience at the Grace Hopper Celebration?

The speaker attended in 2018 as a volunteer and had a positive experience, including networking with industry professionals, learning about job opportunities, and participating in interviews. They emphasized the event's unique atmosphere and the value of meeting so many women in tech.