Is Open Source Project Participation Worthwhile?
Recently, Forbes published an article trying to answer this question.
Their conclusion? Yes — it is absolutely worthwhile!
Below we have summarized some of the points they made. The full article can be accessed here.
- You do better at work
By contributing to an open source project, you are increasing your mental endurance! By switching between work and an open source project, you are giving your brain a needed break, while still learning and building knowledge. This means “you can work longer and with better results, minus the burnout!” (Forbes, 2018)
2. You can learn new things while keeping up old skills
By participating in an open source project, you can learn how to work in new ways, with new technologies. For instance, the CBS project is based on an event-driven, microservices architecture, which is new to many of our contributors. By joining the CBS project, they get the chance to learn more about the new technologies AND practice their coding skills!
3. You get the chance to mentor others
Once you have been a part of an open source project for a while, you might get the chance to answer questions and feedback to newer contributors. Learning how to help and mentor others can be extremely useful, both in work and personal life.
4. You get the chance to expand your network
By being involved in an open source project you get the chance to interact with other people who have the same interest and drive as you do! The CBS project has had over 100 contributors, all of whom are extremely clever, interested and driven people. Building your network can be great for your professional career, as well as an opportunity to make new friends!
CBS PROJECT BONUS: YOU GET TO HELP SAVE LIVES!
In addition to the above aspects mentioned in Forbes, joining the CBS project will allow you to contribute to a system which is currently being used by other community volunteers to detect disease. The system holds the potential to detect diseases earlier, respond to disease outbreaks when needed and thereby save lives!
Our community of contributors are crucial to the success of the CBS project — we couldn’t have done it without them!
If you are interested in contributing, need help getting started or want more information, visit our website!
