Unlock Your Career with Open Source: An Open Chat
Open source isn’t just about code — it’s about community, collaboration, and countless opportunities to grow both personally and professionally.
In a recent episode of our Out of the Box Developer podcast, we sat down with two seasoned open source contributors, Helber Belmiro of Red Hat and Matheus Cruz of Itaú, to discuss how engaging with open source projects can unlock doors in your career. From making impactful contributions to connecting with top engineers worldwide, their insights shed light on the transformative power of open source.
Open Source is Everywhere—And You’re Probably Already Using It #
You might not even realize it, but open source software is a part of your daily life. As Helber pointed out:
Most of the programming languages are open source… Java, Go, Python, JavaScript—all of those languages are open source projects.
Even the tools and platforms you use, like Android or the VS Code editor, have open source at their core. Open source isn’t just the future; it’s the present.
From Code to Career: The Impact of Contributing to Open Source #
Contributing to open source projects can be a game-changer for your career. Helber shared:
All that I do today professionally, and even in my spare time, is open source 100%.
Companies like Red Hat hire engineers specifically to work on open source projects. Matheus’s journey is a testament to this. By contributing consistently to the Quarkus OpenAPI Generator, he not only became a maintainer but also connected with leaders in the field.
Because of his contributions… we invited him to become a maintainer in the project as well, and today he’s a maintainer.
– Helber Belmiro on Matheus’s contributions
Taking the First Step: How to Start Contributing #
Not sure where to begin?
Matheus suggests starting by using the technology you’re interested in:
If you want to contribute with Quarkus, I think that you need to firstly use Quarkus and follow the documentation.
Often, you’ll find gaps or outdated information in documentation—fixing these is a great way to start contributing.
Quick Tips to Get You Started: #
- Use the Technology: Start by using the open source project to understand it deeply.
- Read the Documentation: Look for discrepancies or outdated information.
- Find ‘Good First Issues’: On GitHub, filter issues labeled good first issue.
- Communicate with Maintainers: Don’t hesitate to reach out to project maintainers for guidance.
Consistency is Key: Making a Lasting Impact #
Both Helber and Matheus emphasize the importance of consistency.
If you are always there, people will remember you.
– Helber Belmiro
Regular contributions, no matter how small, help build trust within the community. Matheus set personal goals to keep himself motivated:
In the last year, I added a goal where I will have 50 commits in Quarkus.
Beyond Code: The Importance of Communication and Community #
Open source is as much about people as it is about code. Matheus highlights the value of networking:
One important thing that I think in open source is not only about code—it’s to share knowledge too.
Engaging with the community through forums, chats, and events can open doors you didn’t even know existed.
Ways to Engage with the Community: #
- Join Community Channels: Many projects have Slack, Discord, or Zulip chats.
- Attend Community Calls: Participate in meetings where project leaders discuss roadmaps and contributions.
- Be Polite and Respectful: Adhere to the project’s code of conduct.
- Embrace Diversity: You’ll interact with people from all over the world.
What Does It Take? Essential Skills for Open Source Contributors #
Before diving in, make sure you have the necessary skills:
- Git Proficiency: “Without Git, you can’t contribute to anything on GitHub,” notes Luiz.
- English Language Skills: Helber emphasizes, “English is essential.”
- Communication Skills: Be clear and polite in your interactions.
- Resilience and Patience: Matheus advises, “You need to be resilient and patient.”
Unlocking Job Opportunities Through Open Source #
Your contributions can catch the eye of potential employers.
It’s much more likely to be hired than someone that we don’t know.
– Helber Belmiro
Companies often look within open source communities to find talent. Helber himself works at Red Hat contributing to Kubeflow, an open source project.
I work at Red Hat… I am an employee, and I contribute to this Kubeflow project. I am hired specifically for that.
Looking Ahead: Open Source in the Age of AI #
AI is making its way into open source contributions. Tools like GitHub’s Copilot are changing how developers code. While the impact is still unfolding, Helber notes:
In the near future, this will increase a lot.
Your Journey Starts Now #
Contributing to open source is more than a résumé booster; it’s an opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with a global community. Whether you’re fixing a typo in documentation or developing new features, every contribution counts.
Ready to unlock your career with open source? #
- Explore Projects That Interest You: Find a project that aligns with your interests and skills.
- Reach Out to Maintainers: Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
- Join Community Forums: Engage with others to learn and share knowledge.
- Make That First Contribution: It could be the start of an exciting journey.
Key Takeaways #
- Open Source is Everywhere: From programming languages to everyday tools, open source is a fundamental part of technology today.
- Career Opportunities Abound: Contributing can lead to job offers and connections with industry leaders.
- Start Small: Use the technology, read documentation, and look for small issues to fix.
- Consistency Matters: Regular contributions build trust and recognition.
- Essential Skills: Git proficiency, English, communication, and patience are crucial.
- Community is Key: Networking and sharing knowledge are as important as coding.
Special thanks to our guests, Helber Belmiro and Matheus Cruz, for sharing their invaluable insights.