One of the most beneficial things you can do for your career in anything, especially the games industry, is get to know other people with the same aspirations in life. Above anything, people want to work with other like-minded folks that are not only skilled in what they do, but great to be around. The Game Developers Conference (GDC) provides the chance to prove that about yourself as a developer in any category. We have social media and our interactions online, but nothing helps solidify those relationships like the face to face interaction provided by GDC.

As part of Intel and UBM’s diversity initiative, the International Game Developers Association Foundation (IGDAF) scholarship provides an opportunity for women 18 and older to have a shot at attending GDC. The scholarship includes travel stipends as well as an all-access pass to the weeklong conference (a $1599 - $2099 value, depending on if you purchase it early or at the venue). 

In the step-by-step application linked to below, you will be asked very specific questions about your perspective and aspirations towards working in games. The four categories they have listed on the post about the judging process for this scholarship are as follows:

Judging Criteria

Applications will be judged by a panel of game industry professionals. To help students hone their applications, and to better understand what the judges are looking for, here is the basic criteria which the judges are asked to use when rating applicants.

• Relevance – Will attending the event help the student achieve her specific educational and/or career goals? 

• Initiative – Has the student demonstrated continued dedication to game development and effort to her education?

• Engagement – Has the student demonstrated a breadth of activity and volunteerism within her community?

• Communication – Are the ideas expressed in the essays communicated effectively and efficiently?

The deadline for submissions is coming up quick: January 4, 2016. 

We at GameTyrant are huge fans of what this scholarship stands for and the opportunity it provides. We wish all participants the very best of luck!