Freelancing can help you get a great head start in your chosen career.
According to freelancersunion.org, more than 53 million Americans, or 34% of the entire workforce, were doing some kind of freelance work as
of September 2014. There are a lot of good reasons why you should consider freelancing even before you get your college diploma. For one, it can significantly enhance your resume. Prospective employers will be impressed to know how you found the time to run your business or complete your projects while juggling your schedule between classes and extracurricular activities. In addition, having a freelance job or side business can also bring in much-needed cash that can help tide you over during your job hunt.
To get your freelance career rolling, here are some tips that may help you accomplish your goal.
Decide on your specialization. Consider your talents and interests when deciding on what you want to specialize in. If you have the gift of gab, you may want to try your hand on freelance writing or starting your own blog. If you enjoy creating beautiful websites, you can try selling your services as a web developer. You can also consider offering your services as a virtual assistant, online tutor or transcriber. Or, you can sell stock photography online.
If you are the more artistic type, consider designing shirts and custom jewelry and sell them on sites such as Etsy, CafePress and Zazzle. You may also want to go for offline jobs such as home organization, landscaping, and the like. For best results, base your decision on your passion, skills, and the opportunities that come your way.???
Launch your website. Get an edge over the competition and stand out from the crowd by creating a good looking website and featuring a great portfolio. Refrain from using work samples generated exclusively inside the classroom. Create a more professional online image to enhance your credibility and adopt a more professional mindset to further increase your chances of success.
Establish a schedule. Learn to manage your time from the start. Make sure you dedicate a specific time every week for your freelance work.
Take it seriously. Invest time and energy into your part-time gigs no matter how small they may be. Keep in mind that every project can contribute a big value to your resume so make sure you give it your best.
Don’t disclose your status. Some companies expect lower prices when they know they are working with people who still happen to be in college while some do not want to hire students for fear that they are not qualified for the job. Since your student status will not help you in any way, avoid mentioning the fact on your website and/or other promotional materials.
