GSoC 2024 Roadmap [Start Now]
Introduction
The GSoC (Google Summer of Code) results for 2024 have been announced, and we are thrilled to see that a bunch of people from our network have made it in. Congratulations to all of you who have successfully secured a spot in GSoC this year. It is a remarkable achievement, and we are proud of you.
However, we also know that not everyone was able to make it through, and I understand how discouraging it can be. That's why I am here to share our journey of when I was unable to make it to GSoC in our first year and what I did in the next one year that made me crack GSoC twice after that, both in our second and third year of my college.
This blog is a roadmap for your next year and more specifically, the nine months that are left for you to learn some technologies. I will share what you should be focusing on and how you should be learning more importantly so that you are well-equipped when GSoC comes next year to apply and maybe even make it through. So, if you weren't able to make it to GSoC this year, don't worry! i’ve got you covered.
Let's take a look at my story, how I made it to GSoC after one unsuccessful attempt and how building real-world projects helped me.
Background
Joined IIT Roorkie in 2014
First attempt at GSoC in 2015, unsuccessful
Made small contributions to PHP projects
Learned through tutorials but struggled to create real-world projects
In August 2015, started working on a generic problem statement, and built a multiplayer chess game.
Building Real-World Projects
Started building real-world projects on my own without the help of any tutorial
The inflection point in tech: Becoming extremely independent and able to figure things out without guidance
Contributed to the chess project and built the frontend and backend from scratch
Learned web sockets and other skills that wouldn't have been possible if I was stuck in tutorial hell.
Launched the project on campus
Advice: Pick a project, do it end to end, and launch it on the internet
Check out the video to know the detailed process of how I got my first break in GSoC (And how you can too)
GSoC Success
In March 2016, finally made it to GSoC
Advice: Leave GSoC organizations for a few days, don't contribute yet, and build your own projects.
Sharpen your skills before contributing
This is the time to sharpen your axe, don’t attempt cutting the tree with a blunt axe
Use a project-centric approach to start contributing again
Consistency and interest will surely lead to success
Building real-world projects are essential in reaching the inflection point in tech, becoming independent, and being able to figure things out without guidance.
Before contributing to GSoC, pick a project, do it end-to-end, and launch it on the internet. Use a project-centric approach to start contributing again, sharpen your skills, and be consistent.
Remember, success in GSoC is not the only outcome; building real-world projects will open many doors in the tech industry.
Thanks a lot