Freelancing as a junior programmer?

Question

Hello,

I am pursuing my BA and currently work full time as a PHP programmer. It's a great foot in the door as most graduates do not graduate with any real programming experience under their belt. However, it's web based so I would like to do some software development on the side just to earn extra money, keep my skills sharp, and have something to show potential employers.

My question is, how do I get started freelancing? How does everyone else do it - do they use those freelancing sites?

Is it realistic to freelance a few hours a day on a project given that I go to school full time and have a full time job? Or does it require more of a time commitment?

Answer 1

I'd say that unless you know someone who can throw a bit of work your way, you're not going to have much of a chance. As a freelancer, you're effectively your own product, and "advertising" yourself and keeping your "brand" well-managed is probably going to take more time than you can afford with full-time school and existing work.

Answer 2

Networking is by far the best way to find work.

Here we're lucky enough to have a local web industry group that comprises of web development businesses and freelancers who feed work to each other. Hopefully there's something similar in your area.

Answer 3

During my final semmester at college, I was working full time as a Developer for two companies and going to college part time when I was supposed to go full time. I did not attend any lectures. All I did was to attend classes only when there are tests to be written, the results of which would contribute to my final mark. I had my own studies at my own time.

So, what you want to do, and more, can be done. Do a research of what is actually happening in companies out there. How they are operating. From that, think of ideas of how you can actually improve their business operations using customised software. Create prototypes and make appointments with the companies' top guys and propose to them your ideas. Do demos. And find yourself overwhelmed with projects to do.

Or go on the internet. Yes, visit those freelancing sites and make use of them.

With all this, have a significant dosage of determination and passion to achieve and a great sense of organisation so as to make good use of your time. These qualities will keep you awake at night when you need to and keep you going when everyone else is telling you that you are going to fail your exams because you are spending more time at work.You will find how much time one can waste by attending every lecture there is to attend.

Answer 4

Go for it. I do similar work as a student and, although work is sporadic, have had relatively good success finding jobs I like and which I can manage in the time I have. The work is sporadic, so I wouldn't drop either your classes or current job yet. By far the best ways to find work are over craigslist or freelance sites such as getafreelancer.com or elance.com (PHP work that is, the more specialized stuff I've been doing in rails recently isn't really looked for over craigslist - PHP certainly is though.) My one suggestion for those two freelancing sites though - a lot of the people finding work on those sites are international and are willing to take jobs for much less. Don't try to outbid them on work - tell in your work proposal where you live and how your efficiency in English will help the project. You probs won't get every offer, but you'll get much better (and higher paying) ones that way. Good luck!

Answer 5

I started freelancing in 10th grade and was working on several projects (C++ mostly) in 12th. Sure it's possible, just get a bit lucky :)

PS. I mean, if such a bonehead as I was able to freelance programming in high school any college student probably can do it.

Answer 6

If you have the time, you should definitely do it. There are a ton of things you can learn from the experience that don't related exactly to school or normal jobs. Also, small contract jobs seem like their on the rise; in this market, some companies would rather buy the milk than the cow, even if the milk's considerably more expensive.

Actually getting jobs depends on your environment. Craigslist, freelance sites, friends and family, all of these are great positions. There is a certain tipping point where once you've done enough work, the referrals start making work for you.

A few things you may not realize you need:

• An invoice form. Make one now, even if it's just a word document template. Send it to the clients immediately once you finish your work.
• If you don't already have a TID, you may want to apply for one. It's better than giving out your social to everyone you freelance for. irs.gov- TIDs
• A scanned copy of your signature can make your life easier, especially if you're sent a ton of documents in pdf.
• Establish terms and rates upfront, as well as a maximum number of billable hours. Nothing is worse than putting in 20 hours over on a project, just to have the client freak out and not pay you. They need to approve additional work.

Freelancing can be fun. Good luck!

Answer 7

I did some freelancing during my final year of college, it's not easy keeping up with the demands of your clients and that of schooling. Your clients don't care that you have a project due or a final to write, they expect results and this can become difficult to juggle if you don't have good time management skills.

Although time management can prove trying the most difficult(i found) aspect of doing freelance work with little experience was estimation, i just didn't have enough experience to provided the clients with accurate time lines in some cases. This will hit you hardest in your pocket book, you can't go back on an estimate after you have quoted a client.

Be prepared to work long hours and give up some of your social activities, trust me it's not easy. Also, have good contacts - it really pays to have a mentor or know developers with more experience then you to help guide you. Come to think of it you've got an excellent resource right here, i wish i had Stackoverflow when i started my programming career!

Answer 8

luck is must for freelance jobs