[knieveltech]

For developers, getting on a "career track" is as simple as finding a relatively high profile open source project that interests them and getting some commits in. Instant resume, code examples and you've jump-started your networking for a particular technology.

Edited to add: I have no idea why this is getting downvoted. If you disagree with my assertion then by all means leave a comment. Hitting the down arrow and wandering off does us both a disservice.

[hack_edu]

Not a downvoter, but this can sound like a standard "man-up" type of answer.

Its easy to suggest and might come easy to some, but it's way out of reach for most young developers trying to get on the career track. Making a notable contribution to an impactful project requires a lot of time and understanding. Even if a project could use the help, jumping in head first like that is quite daunting.

[knieveltech]

I appreciate your response, and I agree that upon reflection this pretty much is the standard man-up answer. That being said the only other way I know to get stuff accomplished is throw money at the problem, not typically an option for devs straight out of college.

I understand what you're saying when you say it's daunting, but this doesn't have to be a big deal. I'm not advocating someone run right out and start cutting kernel patches straight out of school. The Open Source space is enormous and it should be possible to pick a project that's in line with your abilities. Example: there are at least three CMS projects I know of that are well documented and very accessible to new developers looking to help out.