This blog details my journey through the 2022 Akanksha Scholarship for Women in STEM process. If you're gearing up for the same, I highly recommend reading to the end for valuable tips and advice.
What is Progress Scholarship?
The Progress scholarship program is designed to assist women pursuing studies in computer science, software engineering, IT, and computer information systems, reinforcing their commitment to advancing women in technology fields.
Akanksha Scholarship for Women in STEM
The Progress Software Akanksha Scholarship for Women in STEM in India is a four‐year, $2,000 per-year renewable scholarship to cover tuition, fees and educational expenses for an Indian woman pursuing an undergraduate degree in computer science.
Visit the official site for more details and eligibility criteria - https://www.progress.com/social-responsibility/women-in-stem-scholarships
This scholarship consists of three rounds:
Round 1 - Screening and Shortlisting of your Resume and other documents.
First of all , candidates are required to fill the form and mail their documents like Resume, 10th, 12th marksheet, Recent Transcript, Adhaar Card, Letter of Recommendation , College allotment Letter, and 2 Essay.
Essay Submission: According to my experience, this one is the most important phase. The whole evaluation process revolve around the answer given by the candidate , if they feel you are a deserving candidate then only you will be interviewed further.
First Essay — It should be a brief introduction about yourself - Including your Academics achievements, hobbies, Extra Curricular, future goals, leadership skills , Technical Experience, your passion for STEM etc.
Second Essay — It should contain a small summary about your family background, challenges you have faced due to financial crises etc.
Round 2- One-to-One Interview Call
Candidates who cleared Round 1 were then contacted by a member of the progress team for a one-to-one interview.
I got an interview call on 14th September from Kalyan Chaitanya Yeleswarapu Sir. He was so kind and calm. Although I missed the call, he texted me after some time and told me about the interview.
It was a 30 min Interview call , where he asked me questions like-
1)Tell me about yourself , What are your major academic achievements ?
2)What is your Annual family Income , family background & Is their any financial barrier you are facing right now?
3)How will you use the scholarship money effectively?
4)Tell me about some of your short term as well as your long term goals? etc.
5)What are your hobbies and What do you do in your spare time?
Be honest and real with your answers, keep it simple, and don’t hesitate to tell them your small financial problems. Because honesty matters.
Following round 2, candidates will receive a mail regarding the 3rd interview round. In my case, however, Sir asked when I would be comfortable for the third interview. I was engaged in one of the offline hackathons, so I requested some time, and he agreed, wishing me luck for round 3.
After the hackathon, I reached out to HR to proceed further. Although I've been in regular touch, it's been a month without a clear update on the third interview round, leaving me uncertain about my status.
After a long wait, HR contacted me on 17th October to schedule my interview for 31st October, post-Diwali.
My HR representative guided me through the whole process and helped me prepare for the questions they asked during the interview.
Round 3- Final Interview
In this round, sir told me that there would be 6 interviewers, two panel members, and 4 members from the progress team. But due to some uncertainty panel members would not be able to take the interview. All were then handed over to members of the progress team.
Now, the date came, my interview was scheduled in the evening slot. At first I was quite nervous but my interviewers made me comfortable in the first 5 minutes ,I can’t share the exact questions here, but there were some questions that I have read online.
Q1. Introduce yourself.
Q2. Please give us one example of how you have exhibited leadership. Explain what you were trying to achieve, your role, how you influenced others, and the impact as a result of your actions. Think broadly and examine the many ways you are having an effect on the members of the different communities you are a part of. Keep in mind, the example you choose does not need to be a formal or traditional leadership role.
Try to make your answer honest and real. Don’t boast about things you haven’t done. Try to elaborate on your experience, rather than copying someone else’s from the internet.
Mention the technologies that you have used and that have impacted your life. Describe your before and after changes, how you have influenced someone, no matter how small the contribution.
If you have joined any college club/committee, you can mention that as well. For example, how have you influenced other women to participate in those activities? Or what is the ratio of boys to girls in your club? What was your role/action in improving this ratio?
You can tell them about some position you have been competing for, and how that position impacted your life, as well as other women’s.
You can tell them about your future goals, like what you are trying to achieve and why.
Q3. What is a significant challenge that you believe women in the tech industry face and how do you see yourself as being part of the solution(s) to this challenge? Keep in mind that impact can happen in many ways and at different scales.
I would repeat my words again, Do not copy this from the internet, and don’t be too much feminist. Just tell them, what you are and what you feel.
You can elaborate on some of your experiences, that you might have faced in your college/school days, etc. The actions, you have taken, to improve the situation, etc.
Tell them about your future goal. For example, what you have planned to do for the women of our society.
and some questions like —
Q4.Why do you deserve this scholarship? What are your strength and weakness?
Q5.Why did you choose computer science as your course? What influenced your choice of this major?
Q6.How would you use your CS skills and knowledge to help others?
Q7.What do you want to accomplish in your life?
Q8.Share your inspiration for wanting this career , etc.
My interview proceeded smoothly. I didn’t expect it to be like that. All the interviewers are awesome, and I enjoyed the process. Special thanks to all the interviewers.
After asking about the review for my interview, Sir told me to include more examples in my answers. So, you can try to elaborate your answers as well. Don’t make it too lengthy, but cover all the points that you want her/him to know, by including some good examples.
I received an email and a call from Kalyan Sir on 1st December informing me you were selected for the Progress Scholarship.
This was my whole experience. I got to learn so many things in this period of time.