My Outreachy Application Journey

I first learned about paid internships like Outreachy via Twitter. If you ask me, I look at a program like Outreachy as an apprenticeship.

Anyway, it was past the deadline and I subscribed to the newsletter and made a promise to myself to apply during the next cohort. This was 2023.

I didn't get in, but I was not discouraged. I'd apply again.

In this post, I'll share the things I did differently the second time. Please note, I don't know if that's why I was chosen, that would ultimately be the organizers decision.

The second attempt

So, I sat back and decided to try a different approach.

I started way early...

I knew from my previous application that there would be lots of writing to answer the essay questions. Since the questions are the same, I copied them on a Google Doc and wrote my answers even before the application date was announced.

I prioritized the application

I spent 30 minutes to an hour everyday for two weeks writing my answers since I was working a full-time job.

This meant that my answers were ready to go.

I read about other people's experiences

I spent some time reading through other people's experiences just to have some perspectives about application and choosing projects.

I reached out to previous interns

I had met someone who had done Outreachy before, so I asked for her input. This came in handy during the contribution phase.

I chose a project that was in line with my skills and that was interesting too

When the applications were opened, I spent three days going through the projects and narrowed down to three. Remember I had a full-time job, so I didn't have too much time.

I eventually settled on one project, as I wanted to focus in case I was chosen.

I sent my application in early

Since I already had my answers ready, I was done with the application early enough, even when there were many days left on to the deadline.

I sent my application, prayed, and waited

I sent the initial application, prayed and waited. I also kept taking notes about my next application, especially from Joan, who had participated before.

Contributing

Time flew by. I eventually got the acceptance email.

I started going through the project's docs, project files, issues and bugs

I spent the first two or three days going through the project's docs and codebase.

It was a bit overwhelming, but it gave me an idea of what the project was about.

Having AWS knowledge came in handy as I could translate the knowledge from AWS to OpenStack concepts.

I reached out to the project mentor

I reached out to the project mentor. I told her that I had been accepted to contribute to OpenStack, and shared the progress I had made.

I then asked her for guidance on how I could go about contributing. I was looking to make a very simple contribution as I didn't have too much time, again, I was working full-time.

This helped me narrow my focus, as I could concentrate on what was important without being overwhelmed.

I started contributing

Tatiana was very helpful in providing the resources I needed. I updated her on my progress every few days, including when I was stuck, and any workarounds I came up with.

The contributing phase was about three hours every day, so I would wake up really early so that I could have at least three hours before work.

I kept my mentor updated

As aforementioned, I kept my mentor updated on my progress. I also incorporated any feedback she gave.

Final Application

It was such a joy when my contribution got merged. It was my first ever merged open source contribution.

I had tried before, but my contribution was not merged.

Finishing up

I finished up my final application, after a go ahead from my mentor.

I then submitted, prayed and waited

I submitted my final application two days before the deadline. I then submitted, prayed and waited.

Acceptance

I was so anxious as I waited for the results. I refreshed my email like every five minutes.

But finally, I got the acceptance email. I was literally in the clouds with joy.

I did my victory dance too...and thanked God for his mercies...

Image source: https://www.furaffinity.net/view/49164924/

I signed the contract very fast...and called my friends to tell share the good news.

I also reached put to my mentor Tatiana again and thanked her for her support.

I also told her what I had in mind as prep work, as the contribution phase began later in the month.

Prep work

Tatiana guided me on the next steps, and the resources to look at.

I'm currently knee deep polishing up any dust off my Python/Django knowledge.

The future

I'm going to do my best to understand the project and deliver.

I'm also taking all the help I can get from my mentor, the OpenStack community, and the larger tech community.

I hope to staying humble, teachable, and have lots of fun!!!

And as you can imagine, I'll be praying lots too :)

Let me know if you have any questions.