10 Important things you should know before you apply Google Student Ambassador 2014/15

These days I have been quite a busy answering about Google Student Ambassador program 2014/15 which is currently open for applications and of the premier program world-wide. Find the link here and deadline is on 7th April 2014.  Thought to write some tips for this year applicants. 

It was amazing to see the enthusiasm which Sri Lankan students have about the program this time and feeling proud as a Google Student Ambassador for 2013/14 and as one of the first team member to get selected, we have evangelized this program in Sri Lanka. 

Found that there were some similar questions. Lets try to demystify GSA 2014 application. 

1. You need a Gmail account

Almost for every Google product you use, you will require to have a gmail account. So get a Gmail. 

2. Keep your Google+ account handy 

Once you get your Gmail account, making sure you have a Google+ account is important. This is been created automatically once you have created the gmail. Anyways have a look at this video. Maintaining an active G+ account is important. That makes a first impression about yourself to the evaluators. 

3. Self shot video plays an important role 

This time the self shot video length has reduced from 1 min to 30 seconds max. (Possibly you can exceed a bit). In that video make sure you are saying about who you are, what are you currently doing/studying and what you will do as a Google Student Ambassador if you get selected. This is not to check your after effects competencies, so dont worry much about the effects. I made it from my mobile phone. The GSA 2013 Sri Lanka video applications you can find here

4. Zero Budget Event 

This is a tricky question. All the events you did at university you had to bear a cost? But wait, I am sure you have done events at school or in community without bearing any cost. Ex - Self funded shramadhaana, teaching other/your own batch students about a subject (Sinhala Slang - Kuppi)...etc. Even if you haven't done any of those, imagine sort of what type of event you will do  in zero budget with Google. 

5. Sri Lanka belongs to Google's Southeast Asian region

When you select the region in the application make sure you select Southeast Asian region but not India. We belongs to Google Singapore office. 

6. Know your weaknesses and strengths 

You will be showcasing about yourself throughout the application. So be mindful to know about your key strong areas and weaknesses. Emphasize more on  strengths and dont mention about the things you havent achieved yet. 

Tip -  Take a piece of paper and write down your 5 main key strengths and weaknesses and then based on those start answering the questions. 

7. Whats Enrollment letter?

Enrolment letter is the letter you should take from your university mentioning that, you are a student of this university, following this course, in this year and the student number. You should be able to request this letter from your course coordinator/ program manager/ registrar. 

8. From whom to get the Recommendation Letter?

Best thing is to get a recommendation from a lecturer/ faculty dean of your university.They know about you better. 

9. Do I have to have an app in App Engine or Google Play store

This could be an indeed plus point but not mandatory. Thats why its mentioned as optional. 

10.What will I get in return if I get selected as a GSA 

A fully paid training to a nice Southeast Asian country, chance to with Googlers, Swags, become one of the top undergrad/postgrad which Google selects and much more. Most of the very first batch GSA's in Sri Lanka are been employed by top companies in Sri Lanka. 

This is the first batch of Google Student Ambassadors for Sri Lanka. Will you be the next? 

For more information, the link is this. Happy Applying :)