Honestly, being broke as a student is completely fine. It's when one lives off their parent's money and has zero active income sources. Often, students indulge in freelancing to earn that extra money to fill up some pockets. Therefore, we have made a detailed guide for you on how to be a freelancer as a student & look for freelancing jobs by listing some highly demanding and best freelancing work for students to consider.
Why Do You Need to Freelance as a Student?
In addition to giving you some extra spending money, freelancing will look great on your resume. Thanks to the pandemic, we can now explore a variety of online employment options. This is also an excellent method to get ready for the job market while accomplishing your career goals and maintaining a conventional academic experience.
How to Start Freelancing as a Student?
Now that you know the skills required for freelancing, let's look at how to start freelancing as a student. With so many things to consider, such as your skills, platform, audience and rates, figuring out how to start freelancing as a student can get quite overwhelming. So, here's a step-by-step breakdown to help you get started! For additional information, make sure to check out our blog on Guide to Freelancing for GenZ.
Step 1: Define your goals
The first and foremost step is understanding the aim behind embarking on this journey. Ask yourself why you want to start freelancing as a student. A clear idea of your goals will help you in the long run.
Step 2: Pick out your best skills
One of the most important things to do when freelancing as a student is to identify your assets and build a business that utilises your best skills. There are multiple skills required for freelancing. Try to pick out unique and polished skills that not many other people might possess. These could be self-taught or skills you picked up from a hobby or a previous job.
Step 3: Club them together into a service
By bundling up your skills, you can create a unique service that will help you maximise your revenue and offer quality service.
Step 4: Create a client profile
No matter which freelancing job you've taken up, it is important to understand your target customers. This will help you identify potential customers and reach them easily.
Step 5: Set your rates
When freelancing as a student, setting rates according to the current market is important. Analysing your competition and creating a strategy is crucial when freelancing as a student.
Step 6: Research relevant laws
Find out if there are any laws about your business, and make sure you abide by these. Also, keep track of any business expenses and manage your taxes well.
Step 7: Reach out to potential customers
When freelancing as a student, you might find it difficult to reach customers. You can start by spreading the word about your new business through social media, emails, or simply by word of mouth while using your existing network.
Top Skills Required for Freelancing as a Student
You can showcase your specialised abilities as a freelancer by utilising hard skills and soft skills. Below are a few skills required for freelancing as a student:
- Communication
- Negotiation
- Industry Knowledge
- Marketing
- Creativity
- Empathy
- Time Management
Top Freelancing Jobs for Students
Whether planning to study overseas or in your city, you should always choose to freelance. Check out these 15 best freelancing works for students we've handpicked in different domains to give you a comprehensive perspective on what to choose if you have a few hours to spare and decide to start freelancing.
1. Freelance Writing
Average Salary: $1000-$2000
Skill Required: Writing proficiency, Research skills, Editing and proofreading, Client Collaboration
Are you an avid texter? We assume you can type fast, which is one skill set many companies seek in a writer. You can freelance as a student by helping them write marketing content, such as reviews, blog posts, social media posts, newsletters, and more. Skilled professionals are in high demand for writing freelance content. You can look for job listings online, job portals or freelance websites. Copywriting is one of the most recommendable skills required for freelancing.
2. Video Editing
Average Salary:$1000-$2000
Skill Required: Video Editing Software Proficiency, Creative storytelling, Attention to detail, Time management.
People are switching to Reels and TikToks for quick information and entertainment. Video is one of the most prominent forms of information on the internet today, and editing video requires an excellent technical skill set. So wear your creative hat and learn quick editing tools, whether mobile editing apps or big-blown software and learn how to start freelancing as a student.
3. Mobile Application Development
Average Salary:$1000-3500
Skill Required: Programming and coding, User interface (UI) design, Problem-solving
Testing and debugging.
With the boon of increased importance for coding and learning programming languages like Java, Python, C++, C#, etc., you can become a freelance mobile application developer. This is a highly paid freelancing job for students; you can choose between Android and iOS app development. Once you get a few projects under your belt, you will have ample opportunities for work as a freelance app developer.
4. Audio Transcription
Average Salary:$1000-$1200
Skill Required: Listening comprehension, Typing speed and accuracy, Knowledge of transcription software, Attention to detail
Do you always have your headphones on? Do you love listening to podcasts? This job might be for you. There is a need for persons who can listen to audio and translate it into written words. This ability is necessary for audio transcription and can make this a good freelancing option for students. Various online sites hire for audio transcription services. This can be a good option for your side hustle.
5. Online Tutoring
Average Salary:$1000-$2000
Skill Required: Communication, Subject knowledge, Adaptability, Patience
Tutoring will be a good freelancing option for students if they have good information interpreting and explaining skill set. Many online teaching sites allow you to create and upload your online courses on the platform. A good thing about this job is that you do not have to work daily; you just record your videos and let the platform do the marketing.
You can make your online study courses and upload them to platforms like Udemy and Skillshare, or you can become an online tutor to teach students online on platforms like Tutor.com or Skooli.
6. Graphic Designer
Average Salary: $1000-$1300
Skill Required: Creativity, Adobe Creative Suite proficiency, Typography, Visual communication
Do you like editing your pictures in a quirky way? If Picsart and Pixlr are your go-to apps for photo editing, graphic designing might be a great freelancing option for students. There are lots of freelance design assignments accessible. You must have a firm grasp of modern design tools like Figma, Canva, and Adobe Illustrator and design software like Adobe Photoshop, Corel Draw, and others. Designing is one of the most recommendable skills required for freelancing.
7. Web Developer
Average Salary:$1000-$3500
Skill Required: HTML/CSS, Programming languages, Web development, Problem-solving
Almost every business wants to establish a prominent online presence. The growth of digitisation and technology has led to increased web design. A website is a company's online storefront. If you know how to create a website, you can start charging people immediately. For many projects, the ability to design a simple WordPress site suffices; advanced capabilities are not even necessary.
8. Social Media Marketing
Average Salary:$1000-$2000
Skill Required: Social media knowledge, Content, Analytics and metrics analysis, Audience engagement
Suppose you spend hours perusing social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram and have a creative and relatable side. In that case, consider putting your skills to learn how to start freelancing as a student in the social media manager position. Freelancing work for students requires engaging with potential clients and strategising and developing brand promotions. Most business owners have no idea how to use social media; you can use your marketing best practices to deliver the outcomes their clients want. Being creative is one of the most recommendable skills required for freelancing.
9. Proofreading
Average Salary:$1000-$1300
Skill Required: Language proficiency, Attention to detail, Grammar and punctuation rules and editing techniques
Are you a grammar Nazi? If spotting grammatical and consistency errors when reading comes effortlessly to you, you might want to consider working as a freelance proofreader. Nearly every company requires proofreaders to ensure the high calibre of shared and published material. Proofreaders are needed for anything from blog posts and brochures to scripts and even student essays to ensure the text is free of grammatical and structural problems.
10. Virtual Assistant
Average Salary:$1000-$3000
Skill Required: Organization and time management, Communication, Administrative tasks, Tech-savviness
Many busy people require assistance but lack the funds to hire a personal assistant in person. Virtual assistants can help with this. They complete tasks like making appointments, responding to emails, and almost every other digital duty a busy person doesn't have time for. With a virtual assistant position, you have a lot of freedom to decide on whatever services you want to offer for freelance as a student.
11. Photo Editor
Average Salary:$1000-$1500
Skill Required: Composition and framing, Lighting techniques, Camera operation, Post-processing and editing
Offering photography and picture touch-up services can be a terrific way to earn money if you have a keen eye for detail and a strong sense of aesthetics. Photoshop skills enable you to produce stunning, original images for small enterprises. Fashion models, food bloggers, and influencers are all gaining popularity on social networking sites. As a result, there has never been a greater need for freelance photography, photo editing, touch-ups, and good freelance work for student options.
12. English Tutor
Average Salary:$1000-$2000
Skill Required: Language proficiency, Teaching and communication, Grammar and writing skills, Lesson planning
This freelance option for students is for you if you can speak, read, and write English fluently. Many platforms link students with language instructors, so this can be a good option for freelancing as a student. English is a sought-after language in many countries, and you can earn money by instructing in it. You don't even have to speak another language or be a certified teacher. To be hired, several platforms only need you to speak English fluently.
13. Data Entry
Average Salary:$1000-$1200
Skill Required: Typing speed and accuracy, Attention to detail, Data management software, Time management
Do you like to organise things? Are Excel sheets your best friends? Data Entry might be a fun freelancing job for you. This is a job that almost everyone can do as long as you are efficient and detail-oriented. Data entry transfers information from one source or format to another, usually a spreadsheet or database management system. Data entry is one of the most basic skills required for freelancing.
14. Start a YouTube Channel
Average Salary:$1000-$1400
Skill Required: Content creation, Video editing, Audience engagement and growth, SEO and marketing
As you already know, video content is highly consumed, and this is your chance to enter the YouTube industry. Expect not to become as well-known as Pewdiepie, but if making videos appeals to you, you should look into this field for freelance as a student. Online programmes for producing YouTube are widely available. Keep consistency and relevance in mind when creating video content. Try to get better at editing and delivering a story with each video you make. Communication is one of the most basic skills required for freelancing.
15. Music Production
Average Salary:$1000-$2000
Skill Required: Music theory, Audio production software proficiency, Sound engineering, Composition and arrangement
If you know how to make cool beats or have a slight inclination towards music and the creating process, this is an excellent option for you to start freelancing as a student! Selling beats online allows music producers to earn a decent amount of money. To begin with, you must learn how to make beats using the numerous online tutorials and courses readily available. Once you have a following, you may start sharing your beats on websites like Soundcloud.
Freelancing Websites For Students
There are many freelancing websites for students that can help them make a quick buck. Some of the most popular websites include
Note that these are a popular choice so the competition is also more on such websites.
What to Keep in Mind when Freelancing as a Student?
Finalising the pay for a project when freelancing as a student can be quite confusing. There are several things you must consider when setting your pay. Let's take a look at some of the pricing factors to keep in mind:
- Location: Although a freelancer can work from anywhere globally, the pay for a project can be significantly impacted by the client's location.
- Education: Although this will differ from profession to profession, a freelancer's pay scale can be significantly increased by education and certified training.
- Experience: The amount a freelancer pays rate often rises as they gain more expertise in their field.
- Skill set: A freelancer's pricing greatly influences their skill set. If work demands a solid base of technical skills, freelancers may demand a higher rate.
- Reviews: Past project reviews give a business a simple approach to confirming a freelancer's performance. Freelancers might charge more because they have established credibility with favourable reviews.
Freelancing Tips for Beginners
Freelancing as a student can quickly turn into a disaster if not done well. You might face issues such as a lack of balance, communication gaps, exploitation, etc. Here are some tips to help you avoid such problems when freelancing as a student.
1. Work with an open mind: There is no rush to identify the clients you want to work with and the services you will provide them at the beginning of your freelance business.
2. Perform research: Do your research! Always do your homework on project scope and pricing to avoid being exploited.
3. Negotiation: As a freelancer, learn to negotiate like a pro. To establish your value from the outset of the conversation, you must carry yourself with the confidence and expertise you possess.
4. Networking with other Freelancers: To freelance as a student, you can join a group for online freelance jobs for students. Only other solopreneurs can genuinely comprehend the highs and lows of freelancing.
5. Obtain repeat business from satisfied clients: After completing a job, you might reduce your rate by 5% to 10% if they decide to work with you again. You'll have more money in your pocket without looking for new employment.
To quote the Joker from The Dark Knight, "If you are good at something, never do it for free". Freelance is a great way to gain an excellent skill set as a student. The more skills in your CV, the higher the chances of securing a good job and loving what you do. You can also view our webstory on how to freelance as a student to understand more.