Creating a Successful Career in Open Source: Blog Post Explains

A career in free and open-source software (FOSS) offers both personal satisfaction and financial rewards. Engaging in these communities allows individuals to contribute to globally beneficial projects and develop marketable skills in a highly portable field. A recent article published by Linux Professional Institute provides guidelines in sculpting a successful career in Open Source.

According to the 2020 Open Source Jobs Report from the Linux Foundation, professionals with open-source expertise, particularly in cloud technologies, are highly sought after, with 93% of hiring managers struggling to find qualified talent.

Building a FOSS career involves various steps, including self-education, learning GNU/Linux, advocating for free software, and acquiring programming skills. Understanding free software’s unique requirements, such as studying technical documentation and becoming familiar with community conventions, is crucial. Newcomers are encouraged to use resources like the Linux Professional Institute’s learning materials, which align with certification objectives.

The article highlights the importance of mastering Linux, a core system within the FOSS community, to connect with developers and advance one’s technical skills. With the right foundation and community engagement, FOSS professionals find meaningful roles across diverse domains, benefiting both their careers and the broader free software movement.