Open Source as Programming Exp. for College Students?

texatut asks: "With the computer industry in a slump, many college CS students nearing graduation are looking at pretty meek prospects. While 'formally' educated, few actually have concrete experience dealing with development of software. Many would like to have something concrete to put down on their resume or application to graduate school. However, starting their own project is a hard and time-consuming task. Obviously, the Open Source community is a perfect place for us to get our hands dirty. My question is, are there any resources that can help people with varying levels of experience connect with development teams in a way that would benefit both the project and the students?"

Comments

what?

[Trepidity]

You list a million things you do voluntarily as evidence that you're busier than most people with a 40-hour-a-week job. What makes you think these people don't have things they want to do voluntarily as well? Sports, running, beer, piano lessons, activities, etc. are not limited to college students.

Re:how long, then?

[Xerithane]

I'm a consultant, which after you get a few years of experience under your belt I would recommend doing if you want to have a life outside of work.

You make the same amount as your salaried equivalents.

You make more if you go over 40 hours.

You get stuck with no sick time/medical (usually, my company is different)

The reason why I stick with being a consultant is because it gives me enough time outside of the office to.. work. :) I put in probably another 6-8 hours after work writing code for either the company I'm trying to start or for a project I volunteer on. And, I still get out. It's quite nice to code outdoors, sit on a laptop at a pub or coffee shop (some up here even have 802.11 access)

The industry average goes from 40-60 hours a week though, more in crunch time. Most I have ever pulled in one week was 117 hours, and that is actually what got me into consulting. Best advice I can give you, tell them to stick stock up their ass you'll take a bigger paycheck and never sleep at work.