Application Process

[Nick Seidl]

So today I turned in my application to be an adviser for the Westside Boiler Invasion, sponsored by Purdue. It essential involved a number of questions about why I want to be part of FIRST, what I can contribute, etc. It even involved a section where I had to design a system to move a ball over an 8 foot wall (hmm, sounds familiar some how don't it?). What I want to know is what is the process for college students at other schools to get involved with FIRST? What was your application process like, if you've done that already?

[CrazyCarl461]

Ah yes, I turned in that application today as well. As far as the application itself goes, we are mainly interested in finding out if potential advisors want to use this program as a way to bolster their resumé or get an easy tech elective credit. Compared to the time it takes, this is not the best way to do this. This program takes a lot of time, and we want to make sure people are doing it for the right reasons (if anything, not to waste their time or ours when they quit). People who are familiar with FIRST know it is about much more, and we want to see if applicants realize this.

One of the most important parts of the application is the part where it is asked "How many hours are you willing to spend a week in this program?" If you are applying for technical and you put anything less than 18 or so, forget about it. We don't want people joining who don't realize this is about a 30 hr/wk gig in the spring.

As far as the 8 foot wall thing, that is all Matt's idea and I don't think it really matters what you put, as long as Matt is convinced you thought about it.

Anyway. I'm sure your application is fine and you will be an official WBI 461 Purdue College Advisor in no time. Good luck in the interview.

[Joe Lambie]

At Michigan Tech we really do not have an application process. The only requirement is that if you want to travel you need to a) be a part of the robotics systems enterprise if you are not a freshamn, b) show up at the meetings and put in enough productive time helping the team out. Other than that there was really no restrictions or application to join the team. Just be willing to support the ideals of FIRST!!