The questions everybody asks

What DOPE is

Is DOPE a startup?

No. DOPE is a non-profit association: nobody makes money out of it and the projects are not for sale. We do them to learn, and because we like them.

Is it a course?

No. There are no classes, exams or grades. You work on real projects, together with the people who are already here.

Is it part of the university?

No, it is an independent association, with the support of the University of Genoa, and many of us study there. But you do not need to be enrolled: some of us are in high school and some already have jobs.

Why do you do it?

Because once school is over, the chances to test yourself are few, and some things cannot be done alone. We tell the story in the manifesto.

Who can join

Who can join?

Anyone between 16 and 35, whatever they study or do.

Do I have to be an engineer?

No. Scientists, economists, artists, people who write and people who tell stories are needed too. And even philosophers.

Do I need experience?

No. You start with a small task, next to someone who has been here longer, and you learn by working.

Do I need a CV?

No. Just come and see.

How to join

How much does it cost?

Nothing. Materials, tools and competitions are paid by university funds, grants and sponsors.

How do you join?

Choose a project and write to us using the form: we invite you to the next open meeting. There you see the teams and ask all the questions you want.

Can I just come and see?

Yes. That is exactly what the meeting is for, and it does not commit you to anything.

Time

How much time does it take?

The time you have. Some people give a few hours a week while they have exams, and others, once the exam session is over, give a lot more.

And during exams?

You slow down, and that is normal. Studying comes first, and you come back when you can.

And what if, after a while, I realise it is not for me?

You say so, and that is that. No problem.

Projects

Can I propose a project of my own?

Yes. Tell it at a meeting: if you find other people who care, you begin.

Can I try more than one project?

Yes. At the start you can look at more than one before choosing.

What do you learn?

To work in a team on something real: divide up the work, meet a deadline, present what you have done, fix things when something goes wrong. And the craft that goes with your project.

Afterwards

Can I put it on my CV?

Yes. What you do in a project is real experience.

And what if one day I want to found a startup?

DOPE does not do that. If one day you feel like it, there is Firmamento.