Ever wonder how some software developers seem to grow exponentially while others—maybe even you—don’t? It’s not magic. It’s not some hidden, secret sauce that’s inaccessible. The answer is simple: open source!
Why open source? There’s actually no better place. You have access to code written by some of the best software engineers in the world. For free, you can check out their work, analyze it, learn from it, and even improve it.
Here are 3 steps that can help you level up your career:
- Explore open-source projects
- Contribute anything you can
- Find a mentor
1. Explore
Explore open-source projects that use the same technology you're working with. While programming is best learned through real-life examples, you can’t figure everything out on your own. Best practices have already been discovered, so there’s no need to reinvent the wheel. Check out how others are solving the same issues you’re facing, and you might gain new perspectives on how things can be done more efficiently.
2. Contribute
Contribute—because even small things can make a big difference. Your level of contribution depends on your knowledge and experience. If you know what you’re doing and are familiar with the project, contribute as much as you can. But if you’re a beginner, there’s still plenty you can offer, like fixing documentation, helping new contributors onboard, reviewing issues, or tackling simple bug fixes. Not only will this get you familiar with the project, but you’ll also start fitting into the community, learning a ton along the way.
3. Find a mentor
If you take on tasks that no one wants to do—like writing documentation, helping others onboard, or fixing small bugs—there’s a good chance that a senior developer will notice your hard work and might offer you some advice in return. That’s how mentorship often starts—through appreciation of your willingness to help. Having someone experienced guiding you can accelerate your growth even further.
Contributing to open source isn’t just about coding. It’s about learning, building connections, and growing as part of a global community. The more you contribute, the more you learn, and who knows, you might even find yourself mentoring others down the line..
