How To Become A Freelance Web Developer As A University Student.
Tags: University, Self Employed, Side Hustle, Freelancing, Web Development

How To Become A Freelance Web Developer As A University Student.

Starting your freelance career is a daunting experience but an invaluable one. It is a challenge getting started, so I decided to put together this article with important points and advice that I would have benefitted from when I started.

Firstly, let’s address if becoming a freelance web developer is the right decision to make. A good indicator is to see how valuable the work will be to your later career. Before you spend time on designing/developing websites, finding projects and promoting yourself, you need to prioritise your degree. It is futile to invest more time into freelancing as the source of your credentials is based on your degree. However, that does not mean you neglect your skills, you can still be a web developer without always committing to a project.

This transitions nicely into how I managed freelancing alongside my degree. Time management is a crucial skill that is developed and something many students/adults struggle with. During the beginning of my degree (BSc Computer Science), I developed an interest in web development. Time management was the biggest challenge to overcome and I still struggle with it. Juggling your modules, settling into your new environment and personal life whilst trying to establish my reputation as a web developer is never easy but is essential.

One method that helped me manage my time effectively was setting up a schedule. I set a consistent time each day/week to work on developing my skills or to work on additional projects. This helps you develop as a freelancer but ensures that you don’t over commit yourself. Freelancing should compliment your degree, not overwhelm you. Another method I learnt the hard way is spending ample time planning. I know it’s tempting to jump onto your laptop/computer and start programming, but trust me, don’t! Spend extra time on research, designing and understanding the goals of the overall project. Break the project down into a reasonable to-do list. This helps you stay focused and makes the best use of your time. I’ll make a separate article on how to manage time effectively as we all struggle with this issue, so you are not alone.

Finally, build a portfolio! I was stuck between a rock and a hard place when I decided to branch out and find clients. I didn’t have a portfolio as I had no clients but I also did not have clients as I had no portfolio as well as experience. What worked for me was offering free work as I valued experience over money. This naturally drew clients in but also gave me leeway to learn and grow through my mistakes. The experience you gain is valuable and helps you build not only your portfolio but your reputation amongst clients. Again, I will create a separate article on how I host my portfolio website through GitHub.

University is a time for exploring your interests and expanding your network but it also is a time to figure out who you are and what you want to do after this period of our life is over. The skills you develop here are transferable so will look appealing to employers regardless of the role you choose to apply for. It gives you an opportunity to do work in a technical environment with clients and be your own boss. You won’t know till you try, so give it a go!