A New Chapter in My Outreachy Journey
I applied to Outreachy for the December 2024 round. I applied in August 2024 with mixed feelings because this would make it the third time I have applied for an Outreachy internship and the second time i got to the contribution phase. I waited expectantly for the application result to come out as they said it would be out on 1st of October 2024. I got accepted to the contribution stage and it was an exciting moment for me.
Contribution Phase: Rollercoaster of emotions
At first, the contribution phase came with a bit of confusion. As a product designer, I wasn’t sure which project to focus on. But after some careful thought, I decided to contribute to a Wikimedia project focused on accessibility. The idea of making digital products more accessible to people from all walks of life really intrigued me, and I felt motivated to learn more about this important aspect of design.
In this article, I want to share some of the lessons I learned during the contribution phase—the dos, the don’ts, and how I believe you can make the most of your own contributions. Of course, this is all based on my own experiences, but I hope it can be helpful to anyone going through the same process.
Takeaways from the Contribution Phase
1. Always Read Instructions Carefully
This might seem like an obvious one, but it’s essential! Always take the time to read the instructions provided by both the Outreachy organizers and the project you’re contributing to. This will give you a clear understanding of how to get started and help you navigate through the entire contribution process without getting lost.
2. Ask Questions When You’re Not Sure
Never assume you understand everything perfectly. If something is unclear, ask! But here’s the key: make sure you’ve done your homework first. Try to research the topic as much as you can before reaching out with a question. When you do ask, let your mentors know you’ve already looked into it—this shows that you’re taking initiative and not just relying on them to do all the work.
3. Collaborate and Connect with Fellow Contributors
While it’s tempting to go solo, remember that collaboration is one of the most powerful tools in open source. Don’t be afraid to reach out and start conversations with other contributors. Sharing ideas, discussing challenges, and brainstorming together can lead to better solutions and a stronger sense of community.
4. Offer Help to Fellow Contributors
One of the best ways to grow during the contribution phase is by helping others. If you see a fellow contributor struggling with something, offer a hand. Whether it's troubleshooting an issue or brainstorming a solution, lending support not only strengthens the project but also builds relationships with others in the community.
5. Document Your Work Online
I’ll be honest—I’m guilty of this myself. I rarely post my work online. But the truth is, it’s so important to put yourself out there! Documenting and sharing your work not only helps you reflect on your progress but also opens doors you may not expect. You never know who might come across your contributions and be impressed enough to offer you opportunities you hadn’t even considered. So, don’t be shy—let the world see what you’re working on!
Although, in the end, I didn’t make it to the internship phase for the December 2024 cohort, I am incredibly proud of myself. The fact that I was able to stick with the contribution phase and complete it was a huge personal victory. It taught me a lot about myself and the world of open-source contribution. I would definitely apply in January 2025! I’m not quitting
I sincerely hope Outreachy gets more funding for upcoming internships so they can be able to sponsor more talents in open source
Thank you so much for reading through!