Getting into the Outreachy internship program is an aamzing opportunity for anyone who comes from an underrespresented group in tech. It is a chance to work on open-source projects, connect with ann amazing community, and gain real-world experience. If youre readiing this, yoou’re probably thinking about applying to Outreachy or you have just sent out your aappplicationand waiting forr feedback. As someone who is currently in the initial application phase, I would like to share some tips and pointers that will hopefully help you understand more what this process entails and Outreachy expects of you.

Know the Program Inside and Out

Before jumping into the application, take the time to fully understand the Outreachy prrogram. First, you have to make sure that you meet the eligibility criteria, as well as what the program entails.

Here are a couple of things to keep in mind:

1. Outreachy is specifically for people from underepresented groups in tech. These are women, non-binary folks, and people from marginalized racial and ethnic backgrounds.

2. Outreachy internships are a full-time commitment (40 hours a week) for 13 weeks. This is a huge commitment, therefore you should only apply if you can dedicate that time.

3. The programme does not require you to be an expert. You just need to have a genuine interest in the project, be open to learning and putting in the work.

Research Projects Before You Apply

Outreachy offers a great number of open-source projects, so it is important to find one that matches your skills and interests. Don’t rush into applying to a project simply beacause it is exciting – take your time aand explore all your options.

Here’s how I’d recommend going about it:

1. Go to the Outreachy website and go through the projects available for the current cycle.

2. Look for projects that align with your skills or skills you want to develop. Each project specifies the technical requirements needed.

3. Looking at how how past interns previously contributed can also give you a good insight into what the project is like and how the community operates.

4. Engaging the community before applying like mailing lists, IRC or Slack to get a feel of the people involved in the project.

Get Ready for the Internship (Fingers Crossed!)

If you’re selected for an internship, congrats! Now it’s time to prepare. Here’s how you can set yourself up for success:

• Set Up Your Development Environment: Make sure you’ve got all the necessary tools, frameworks, and software ready to go.

• Clarify Expectations with Your Mentor: Have an initial chat with your mentor to discuss the goals and deliverables for the internship.

• Time Management: Since Outreachy is a full-time commitment, make sure you have a plan for balancing work and life during the 13 weeks.

Conclusion

The Outreachy internship program is an incredible way to get involved in open-source and grow your skills. By preparing early, engaging with the community, and submitting a thoughtful application, you’ll be setting yourself up for success.

Good luck with your application—I’m excited for you!