Exploring Mentorship Opportunities with CNCF: Your Path to Growth
Are you an aspiring developer looking to accelerate your career and impact the world of cloud-native computing? Look no further than the Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF) and its diverse range of mentorship programs. CNCF is at the forefront of cloud-native technology, and its mentorship opportunities can provide you with the guidance, experience, and connections you need to excel in this rapidly evolving field.
About me
Hi, I am António Pedro, a 4th-year Computer Science and Engineering undergraduate student at Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology, Delhi.
I am an open-source enthusiast, founder, and Open-source Community Program Manager at Angola Open-source Community.
During the summer of 2023, I worked on Strimzi, a CNCF sandbox project, under the LFX mentorship. And in this blog post, I will guide you on how to find a mentorship opportunity with The Linux Foundation.
Mentorship Offered
CNCF offers two prominent mentorship programs: Google Summer of Code (GSoC) and the Linux Foundation (LFX) Mentorship. These programs are designed to provide hands-on experience and mentorship from industry experts, allowing participants to contribute to cutting-edge projects and deepen their knowledge of cloud-native technologies.
1. Google Summer of Code (GSoC):
GSoC is a global program that offers students the chance to work on open-source projects during the summer. Participants collaborate with mentors on a chosen project, gaining valuable experience while contributing to the open-source community. CNCF frequently participates in GSoC, offering opportunities to work on projects related to Kubernetes, Prometheus, Envoy, and more. GSoC is typically offered once a year, during the summer months. Link: https://summerofcode.withgoogle.com
2. Linux Foundation (LFX) Mentorship:
LFX Mentorship allows individuals to contribute to open-source projects through internships guided by experienced mentors. CNCF projects like Kubernetes and CoreDNS often feature in this program. Unlike GSoC, LFX Mentorship is available throughout the year, with multiple project cycles offering flexibility for participation. Link: https://mentorship.lfx.linuxfoundation.org
Term 1 (Spring) — This happens between March and May.
Term 2 (Summer) — This happens between June and August.
Term 3 (Fall) — This happens between September and November.
Steps for Applying:
If you’re eager to embark on a journey of mentorship with CNCF, here’s how to get started:
1. Select the Project: Explore CNCF’s list of projects and identify one that aligns with your skills and interests. You can find projects under the CNCF here:
2. Get Involved in the Community: Engage with the community by joining mailing lists, attending meetings, and contributing to discussions. This demonstrates your commitment and interest in the project. Be part of the welcoming CNCF community now:
3. Wait for a Call for Application: Stay tuned for your chosen mentorship program's official Call for Application. In the meantime, study the project’s documentation, codebase, and existing issues. The best way to be updated with the mentorship agenda is to follow the #mentoring channel on the CNCF slack workspace and the official repo for mentorships:
4. Prepare Your Application: Craft a well-structured and detailed proposal for GSoC or a cover letter and resume for LFX Mentorship. Highlight relevant experience and skills according to the project’s description. Tailor your application to showcase why you’re the right fit.
Tips for Success
To increase your chances of being selected for a mentorship opportunity:
Be Specific: Tailor your cover letter and resume to each program, highlighting relevant experiences and skills that align with the project’s needs.
Study the Project: Deeply understand the project’s goals, challenges, and requirements. Your proposal should showcase your understanding and your plan to contribute meaningfully.
Highlight Important Experience: Emphasize experiences showcasing your ability to work independently, collaborate with a team, and solve problems effectively.
Recommend Skills: Address the skills mentioned in the project description, providing evidence of your proficiency through past projects or contributions.
Be Descriptive: In your proposal, dive into details. Explain your approach, potential roadblocks you foresee, and how you intend to tackle them.
By following these steps and tips, you’ll be well on your way to securing a mentorship opportunity with CNCF. Through these programs, you’ll gain valuable technical skills, forge connections with industry professionals, and make a lasting impact on the cloud-native landscape. So, why wait? Start your journey to mentorship success with CNCF today!
Let’s connect!
If you need any help or assistance, you can reach me out on
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antoniopedro99l
GitHub: https://github.com/antonio-pedro99
CNCF Slack: @antoniopedro
Twitter: https://twitter.com/antdev99