Start sending bug reports that are very useful and dometimes underestimated. Look how/where they fix them and the next time try to send a pull request (or another bug report).
Fixing typos in docs is also a good starting point.
If you want to send a new feature, start with something small, like a weekend project. You never know if the mantainer will like it, or if they are morons or if they have very weird code rules.
https://www.fossjobs.net/ https://github.com/fossjobs/fossjobs/wiki/resources
Especially look at the internship programs and choose an area that has a significant number of employers, such as the Linux kernel.