imho, an operating software system is kind of an organic entity. It behaves in very different ways, requires different kinds of attention and more personal comm

imho, an operating software system is kind of an organic entity. It behaves in very different ways, requires different kinds of attention and more personal commitment to keep going. This is distinct from toy examples, prototypes and course projects. So, I'm suggesting that while you're young, start building something. It doesn't have to make you money or be successful or take any more than 5 hours a week of maintenance. The goal is to have something tangible for the experience of maintaining it and to use in discussions with other people. This could be an open source project or a serious commitment of contribution to one, something to deal with mp3s or videos or whatever interests you.