August 2023: Wrapping up a round and getting ready for the next
...and yes, our team is growing!
Where did the time go? Has it been three months already?
Saying goodbye is always hard. We aren't saying goodbye forever this time, but we have come to the end of the May to August 2023 internship round.
Yes, I feel fulfilled! I will explain it by saying it was easier to connect the May 2023 interns from the initial application stage, which started in February 2023, via the various coffee chat sessions we had, through the contribution stage, their final application submission, interacting with them via email communication, welcoming the successful applicants to the internship period and deeply connecting with them via the Outreachy community chats, hosting them during my office hours where we have heart-to-heart talks about their experiences and careers, and finally hosting a social event for the whole internship round (the first of its kind!).
The December 2023 mentoring community and initial application period started in August. Much effort has been put into campaigns for the December 2023 initial and mentoring community applications. Outreachy’s social media is buzzing in this regard.
I got busy with my team, developing easier, more thoughtful strategies, pushing out campaigns, and supporting the application on all social media platforms, primarily through live Q&A sessions on our YouTube channel. I engaged and supported them by answering their questions via social DMs and email communications.
The initial application has already ended, and we are more focused on reviewing applications.
I was invited and spoke at the Dublin Developer Relations Meetup for the August 2023 edition. My session was titled "Community as a Growth Catalyst for Developers," in which I highlighted the importance of developer communities and the benefits of building with them. With their permission, I used some Outreachy mentors' and alumni's experiences as case studies for this session.
I gave insights on how active participation can help scale career growth. I discussed how members can intentionally benefit from a community, how community managers can understand and support their members, the importance of collaboration between tech and non-tech communities, and so on.
My team at Outreachy is growing!
We welcomed Tilda Udofo as one of the Outreachy organizers. Tilda's experience as a past Outreachy intern, Open Source Community Program mentor, and community coordinator will be invaluable to the program's success. It's been great working with her over the past few days, and I look forward to more time with her.
Yes, Tilda is Nigerian, and I'm so proud!
