Coding, Learning, and Application Building Lab

How It Works

Joining as a Student Participant

At COLLAB, our primary audience is undergraduate computer science students at Johns Hopkins University, but our doors are also open to graduate students, students from other departments, and occasionally, students from other universities and even high schoolers.

Participation Options:

• Academic Credit: Students typically work in small teams on software projects to earn Independent Academic Work credit.
• Paid Opportunities: Depending on the project's funding, some roles may offer hourly pay.
• Volunteer Experience: For those looking to gain experience without academic credit or compensation, volunteering on projects is also an option.

Project Involvement:

• Bring Your Own Idea: You are welcome to propose your own project that aligns with COLLAB's goals.
• Join Existing Projects: We regularly post new project opportunities on the Slack channel of the Software Engineering Club at JHU, which collaborates closely with COLLAB.
• Timing: While most projects kick off at the start of each semester, we welcome new initiatives or joiners at any point in the academic year.

Selection Process:

• Criteria: Selection is generally based on the necessary skills, relevant experience, motivation, and availability.
• Low-Barrier Entry: We strive to make software development accessible, prioritizing high motivation, good time management, and responsibility over extensive experience.

Work Structure:

• Remote and Flexible: Work is primarily remote, allowing students to manage their schedules effectively, though we do schedule occasional in-person meetings on campus.
• Sprint Cycles: To maintain momentum and manage workload effectively, we operate on two-week sprint cycles, focusing on intensive development followed by periods of rest and review, aligned with academic schedules to minimize burnout.

Support and Growth:

• Mentorship: While the focus at COLLAB is on independent work, we provide essential support to ensure success. Participants new to software development can receive guidance and mentorship from more experienced peers or faculty.
• Leadership Opportunities: As participants advance, opportunities arise to assume leadership roles within project teams, fostering further personal and professional growth.