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The Google Europe Scholarship for Students with Disabilities 2014: supporting innovators of the future
January 30, 2014
Applications are currently open for the
Google Europe Scholarship for Students with Disabilities 2014
. This scholarship supports talented computer scientists with a
disability
across Europe by offering 7,000 Euros towards their studies for 2014-15. As part of this commitment, Google has teamed up with
EmployAbility
, an organization dedicated to assisting disabled and dyslexic students in the transition from education to employment.
We recently caught up with Valentin, a student from Romania and 2013 recipient of the Google Scholarship for Students with Disabilities, to hear first-hand about his experience as a Google Scholar:
So Valentin, tell us a little about yourself…
I’m from Romania and I’m currently in my 2nd year of a computer graphics masters at the University Politehnica of Bucharest. I’ve loved computers and video games since I first came into contact with them. I’m currently working on my dissertation project to combine the power of Kinect and Oculus Rift to create a fully immersive experience. A fun fact about myself, I worked at Gameloft and you can find my name in the credits of the game 'My Little Pony' (yes, this is a game created by fully grown men!).
What did you think of the application process?
It was straight forward and simple. I asked my parents to help me translate official documents from my native language into English while I focussed on my resume and essays. EmployAbility were also on hand to advise and support me throughout the process.
In what way(s) has the Scholarship had an impact on your studies?
It allowed me to focus on my studies instead of dividing my time between university and a job. I also used the scholarship money to buy new equipment for my dissertation project. Generally, I feel more confident in my coding abilities and my decision to pursue this career path.
What top tips would you give to someone completing the application form?
Spend time on your essay to show who you are and your true potential. If you are re-applying, take the time to write a new essay because another year has passed and this is a new you, with new and improved skills and experiences. Also, if you have any difficulty or questions, ask the people from EmployAbility.
Aside from the financial benefit, what else did you gain from the scholarship?
After reflecting on my scholarship experience, I realized my disability doesn't make me any less capable, it just makes me different and difference is a good thing. People who think differently find the most innovative and creative solutions. Difference is what drives us forward. I met a wonderful, diverse group of people at last year’s Scholarships Retreat where, for a few amazing days, difference was the norm. It really boosted my confidence.
Did the scholarship influence your thoughts about a career at Google or within the Tech sector?
The experience truly transformed the way I see my life after graduating. Going to a Google development center and talking to the engineers who work there about their day-to day-lives and experiences was priceless. We also had the opportunity to network with Google recruiters, find out more about the hiring process and available positions, not to mention gaining some top interview tips. EmployAbility also offered lots of information about the support available for disabled candidates searching for a job.
To top it all off, a little after receiving the scholarship I was invited to interview for a position at Google!
What advice would you give someone who isn’t sure they should apply?
Think about it this way: Google is investing a lot to search for talented and passionate people like you. But they can't do it all. It's your job to say “here I am” and your duty to yourself to make sure you take every opportunity that comes your way, no matter how unlikely it might seem at first.
We are currently accepting applications for the
2014 Google Europe Scholarship for Students with Disabilities
.
Apply today! Applications close on February 17th, 2014.
For questions about the scholarship or your application, please reach out to EmployAbility at
googlescholarship@employ-ability.org.uk
.
Posted by Efrat Aghassy, EMEA Scholarships Project Manager
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