Why Every Student Should Start Freelancing Yesterday!

In today's rapidly evolving job market, college students need more than just a degree to stand out. Enter freelancing: the secret weapon for building a killer resume, developing crucial skills, and potentially paying off those student loans faster. Here's why every student should jump into the gig economy, the challenges they might face, and how to overcome them.

The Freelance Advantage for Students

• Real-world experience: Freelancing provides hands-on experience that classroom learning can't match. You'll work with real clients, face real deadlines, and solve real problems.
• Portfolio building: Instead of entering the job market with a blank slate, you'll have a robust portfolio showcasing your skills and accomplishments.
• Networking: Each gig is an opportunity to expand your professional network, potentially leading to future job opportunities or long-term clients.
• Diversification: Side gigs help provide some protection against the highs and lows of the job market. And some side businesses evolve into full time businesses.
• Flexibility: Balance your studies with work that fits your schedule, not the other way around.
• Income: Earn a little money to help you live, pay off debts, or save for down the road.

Barriers to Entry (and How to Overcome Them)

1. Lack of experience: Start small. Take on pro bono work for local non-profits or offer your services at a discount to build your portfolio and skills.?
2. Imposter syndrome: Don’t think you are qualified? Remember, everyone starts somewhere. Don’t overreach, but don’t be afraid to stretch a little. Start doing work you have some comfort doing and focus on continual learning and improvement rather than perfection (unless perfection is required in the job, of course!)? Don’t forget to ask questions for guidance along the way. Most people would prefer to answer questions early on to ensure the work is done well, versus having someone complete the work on time but incorrectly.
3. Time management: Sometimes it’s hard enough simply juggling classes, family, and other obligations without adding work into the mix. If you take on freelance project work, be sure to accurately estimate how much time it will take to complete the work on time. Break the work down into small chunks and do a little bit every day.? You can’t cram freelance work into a few hours before the deadline, so don’t even try!?
4. Finding clients: Platforms like Upwork or Fiverr are typical marketplaces to advertise your capabilities, but it’s tough for students to be found and compete on platforms filled with professional freelancers.? Sign up for Work Simplr which is a freelance platform built for students who are trying to gain experience.?Work Simplr will send your paid, virtual, flexible freelance projects to get started.
5. Legal and tax considerations: Educate yourself on the tax implications of taking on gig projects.? Since taxes aren't withheld from your income, you'll likely need to make tax payments on your own at the end of the year if you make a certain amount.? Many universities offer free resources or workshops on these topics.

Positioning Yourself for Gig Work

1. Identify your niche: Focus on leveraging your existing skills even if they don’t align with your studies or passions (although alignment with passion is a nice bonus.)
2. Create an online presence: Maintain active professional social media profiles, or build a website, where you let people know what you are willing and able to do.
3. Ask for testimonials: Assuming your work is on-time, accurate, thorough, and the person who hired you is satisfied with your work, ask them for a testimonial.? This could be a letter, a recommendation on LinkedIn, or a quote you can use on social media or flyers.
4. Ask for referrals: When someone is happy with your work, ask them if they know anyone else who might be interested in your services.
5. Continuously upskill: Take online courses or attend workshops to stay current in your field and build new/advanced skills to help distinguish yourself and put you in a position to charge more for your services.
6. Seek mentorship: Connect with other people who have done freelance work for guidance and advice.

Work-Ready Skills Developed Through Freelancing

• Communication: Learn to articulate ideas clearly and professionally with clients.
• Time management: Juggling multiple projects and deadlines hones your organizational skills.
• Problem-solving: Each project brings unique challenges, fostering creative thinking.
• Financial literacy: Managing your income and expenses teaches valuable budgeting skills.
• Adaptability: The gig economy rewards those who can quickly adjust to new situations and requirements.
• Self-motivation: Without a boss looking over your shoulder, you'll learn to drive your own success.
• Client relations: Develop the art of managing client expectations and delivering exceptional service.

The gig economy isn't just a trend—it's the future of work. By embracing freelancing during your college years, you're not just earning extra cash; you're investing in your future employability. You're developing a entrepreneurial mindset, building a diverse skill set, and positioning yourself as a self-starter in a competitive job market.

So, what are you waiting for? The world of freelancing is at your fingertips, and the sooner you dive in, the further ahead you'll be when you graduate. Don't just study for the future—start building it today.