Open Source Summit Europe 2024

There isn’t one way to build your career in open source as there are a variety of roles beyond writing code and many different routes into those roles. It’s also important for individuals to chart their own path that aligns with their unique experience and interest. In this panel discussion, panelists will share how they got started in their career and their journey over the past two decades. For people looking for jobs in open source, we’ll discuss what we look for in candidates and why it’s not necessary to check all the boxes in job descriptions. We’ll also talk about challenges in balancing your day jobs vs. open source activities during your career, and how to navigate challenges in corporate environments, for instance tying your open source accomplishments or impacts to your company evaluation process so that your growth outside your org is also recognized internally. In addition, we’ll also delve into other challenges and opportunities of an open source career that range from dealing with impostor syndrome, DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) challenges, exploring open source communities for self growth, and more.