how to get a job as a kernel hacker

CareerAdvice

The #kernelnewbies irc channel gets visited regularly by people who would like to get a job as a kernel hacker, but are not sure how to get such a job. There are a number of things to keep in mind and a number of things you can do to give yourself the skills you need to be more likely to get such a job. The most important thing to remember is that you need experience - but unlike other job experience, you can train yourself in your spare time. In fact, most kernel hackers started out working on the kernel as a hobby, and only later became professionals.

* Play around with Linux, try configuring new and exciting drivers, maybe get a job as a system administrator. Many of the current Linux kernel hackers have once made their living as a system administrator. In that job, you get to fix problems by trying out new software, finding and fixing bugs and trying out new features (eg. LVM) when they become available. This makes you familiar with many aspects of the Linux kernel and other parts of the Linux system. More important still, it gives you some of the problem solving skills, and patience, needed to be a kernel hacker.

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Don't be disappointed by the fact that this process can take several years - all the steps involved with getting the needed experience are fun and useful, and you may even run into an even more fun career choice along the way!

experience,problems and patience  will lead you forward .. i think.