My Outreachy Internship Experience

Hi everyone! Nine months ago I stumbled onto the Outreachy website while looking for FOSS projects. The round for the internship application was closing in about five days, so I missed the deadline. I signed up for the mailing list to be notified when the next round started. I was eager to work on a free‑software project, and Outreachy seemed like the perfect first step.

A Little About Me

I’m originally from Venezuela, but I live elsewhere now. I spent two years studying mathematics before switching to gas engineering. I love coding, gaming, math, and crochet. I didn’t grow up with a computer—my first PC arrived when I was 17, shared with my sister and mom, and I didn’t get a laptop until I was 24. Internet access was scarce, so I would visit friends’ houses, download what I needed, and study offline at home. Despite those hurdles, I’ve always been fascinated by Linux and the Free Software movement; this is my first real contribution, and it makes me thrilled 😄.

How I Applied

When the mailing list announced that a new round was about to begin, I rushed to the Outreachy site and browsed the open projects—but I didn’t apply right away. Work kept me busy, and I forgot. Two weeks later I returned, started the initial application, and felt a wave of insecurity. I had no prior contributions, no experience, and I doubted my chances, imposter syndrome someone would say. Still, I completed the form and submitted it.

A few days later I received a message from the Outreachy organizers:

“The Outreachy organizers have reviewed your initial application. We found your essay answers were unclear, not detailed enough, or you did not understand the essay questions. We would like to provide you the opportunity to revise your essay questions. You will only be able to submit your revised essay questions once.”

The Selection Process

Choosing a Project

Scanning the project list, the OpenStack Keystone Federation project jumped out at me because it deals with security protocols and federated authentication—topics I wanted to learn. I applied, made my first contribution, and was welcomed warmly. The mentors were patient, guiding me through the workflow, and providing the documentation I needed. My direct mentor looked for specific tasks for me to be able to start contributing. She indicated me all the necessary steps and information needed to understand the different tools they used. Their support made the whole experience enriching and showed me how welcoming the Free Software community can be.

The Waiting Period

While waiting, anxiety crept in. I worried I wouldn’t be chosen, that I couldn’t handle the work, and that my lack of experience would hold me back.

The Final Day

This day was really, really nervous for me, I couldn't stop to watch the time, and also I didn't want to check my email haha. And finally there was the email that said that I was accepted to the intership, and that really made me so so happy, I couldn't believed it, I texted two of my best friends to share my happiness with them.

On the day the results were announced, I couldn't stop watching the clock and avoided checking my email—until the notification finally arrived: I had been accepted for the internship! I was overjoyed and immediately messaged two close friends to share the news.

Final thoughts

The whole process boosted my confidence dramatically. If I could do it, anyone can. Trust yourself, believe in your abilities, and don’t be afraid to take that first step.