It probably isn't a bad idea to get a job programming. Depends on the bugs though, and, well, working for free. I'd like to think that won't be the only way to get a job in programming.

I hate this focus on "Show me your Github account etc". Some people work commercial jobs where all their work is done for private companies - the lack of open source work has absolutely no bearing on how good you are. If you choose to do open source work, well, I applaud that, but this kind of thing annoys me.