Hey,

I’m Linda!

If you’re reading this blog, I assume you’re interested in being an Outreachy intern.

First, a little about me. I’m a software engineer who’s especially interested in how things work behind the scenes, the processes, systems, and the more low-level parts of software development. I was a Linux Foundation mentee, where I got to learn and love working with the OCaml language. Through this new‑found interest, I contributed to an OCaml project during the Outreachy contribution phase, and I am now a Yocaml project mentee. This brings me to my first tip.

1. Choose a project that actually interests you. When the contribution stage opens, you’ll be among many interested applicants, and there will be a good number of projects to choose from. From my experience, choosing the right project is really important. Some applicants end up abandoning their project halfway through the contribution phase, which is why genuine interest is one of the best guides when deciding what to work on.

You might be wondering, what if I’m interested in something but I’m still at a beginner level?

2. Mentors usually note the range of expertise in different languages and technologies needed to contribute effectively to a project, so it’s important to take note of the requirements. The good news is that most projects tend to require one main language while leaving many other skills open, so you shouldn’t feel intimidated.

So now that you’ve picked a project that interests you, how do you begin to contribute?

3. Contribution differs from project to project. In some projects, mentors create a list of good first issues, and applicants can ask to be assigned to one. In other projects, there may be one general task that everyone attempts. It all depends on the project, but the most important thing is to keep an eye on the communication channels (Slack, Discord, mailing lists). If mentors haven’t already provided instructions, they usually will in the first few days. While you’re waiting, you can clone the repository and start exploring the project to get a better understanding of it.

And finally, a quick list of do’s and don’ts.

Don’ts

1. My one and only tip for the application process: don’t write your essays with AI. Your essay should be personal and reflect you. Outreachy reviewers are trying to understand your motivations and your journey, and AI won’t be able to capture your unique experiences.

2. Don’t be intimidated. Open source projects can feel overwhelming at first, especially when you’re contributing alongside people you haven’t met. That said, the open‑source community is generally very welcoming and willing to help if you ask.

3. Don’t take too long to start contributing. It’s easy to overthink things at the beginning, but sometimes the biggest hurdle is just getting started. Even small steps count.

Do’s

1. Do spend consistent time on the project. Even a few hours a day makes a big difference. It helps you stay engaged and build momentum as you learn the codebase.

2. Do read and follow communication channels closely. Important updates, contribution guidelines, and mentor instructions are usually shared there, especially early on.

3. Do ask questions when you’re stuck. You’re not expected to know everything. Asking thoughtful questions shows initiative and helps you learn faster.

4. Do enjoy the process. Outreachy is a learning experience as much as it is an internship. Give yourself room to explore, make mistakes, and have fun along the way.