It’s generally accepted that a college degree gets you a higher-paying job or a promotion.
But freelancing has challenged the current narrative.
But you’ll also need more tangible things other than wishful thinking.
Here are eight things that matter more in freelancing than your college degree.
Job-Specific Hard Skills
In freelancing, hard skills win.
Clients are interested in something more than that Excellence Award you got during graduation.
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They want to know if you’ve got the option to deliver on schedule.
Most clients won’t even ask where and when you graduated.
Upgrading your skills through online learning and solid experience helps you stay on top of your game.
Are you interested in learninghow to start a career in data science without a degree?
Take online certification courses, work on independent projects, and volunteer for data science roles.
Stellar Freelance Portfolio
When you apply for a freelancing role, clients will most likely ask for your portfolio.
A portfolio curates your best work and shows off your skills and experience.
Ideally, it contains work samples similar to the output required for the project you hope to win.
Your portfolio is proof that you’re the best person for the job.
Don’t be intimidated by the professional portfolios you see online.
Use them as inspiration to create and improve yours.
you might usefree website creators to build a personal online portfolio without coding.
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Edit and add to your portfolio as you gain freelance clients.
If you don’t have work samples, create a “pretend project” or mockup.
Write the project requirements from an imaginary, ideal client and make them happen.
Remember to mention that this is a pretend project, or clients might think you’re scamming them.
Winning Proposal
A winning proposal grabs attention, lands you an interview, and gets you the job.
Clients ask you for a proposal to see if you have the best action plan to reach their goal.
The road you take should be clear, cost-effective, and straightforward.
A college degree will not guarantee a winning proposal.
Facebook communities usually give free resources and share advice from other freelancers.
it’s possible for you to also edit and use proposal templates from sites likeBetter Proposals.
How do you deal with angry clients?
How do you politely answer an email or phone call from a customer asking for a refund?
What Facebook features should you use to respond to clients promptly?
you could satisfactorily answer these questions if you have customer service skills.
Taking a course in college will help you deal with clients better.
But there are other ways to hone your customer service skills.
you’re free to also get tips from online courses like Alison’sCustomer Service Skills.
Effective Communication Skills
Employers and clients need freelancers withcommunication skills to succeed at remote work.
Communication channels change over time.
Activities and courses in college will help you improve your communication skills.
But what if you didn’t have the chance to go to college?
Interest in the Job
Some people want to freelance to earn more and free themselves from their cubicles.
There’s nothing wrong with that.
Those are just some benefits of being a freelancer.
Don’t just look for a lucrative niche; consider a field that makes you excited.
If crunching numbers sparks joy, consider being a data analyst or an accountant.
If words are the name of your game, copywriting or editing might be better options.
Suppose you took an unrelated college degree.
In that case, you’re able to still transition to a different field without returning to school.
it’s possible for you to learnways to start a career in a new industrywithout going back to college.
Strong and Supportive internet
The people you’re connected with online or in person comprise your freelance internet.
They can give you leads for projects or recommend you to potential clients.
You may not know them intimately, but your relationship can help you grow and succeed as a professional.
Building your web connection nowadays is more convenient since you have social media platforms like LinkedIn.
It’s also easier to search for networking opportunities on Facebook andMeetup.
Entrepreneurial Mindset
Some freelancers still think like employees.
They wait for instructions and live a nine-to-five existence.
You’ll start networking and growing your hard and soft skills.
Entrepreneurs don’t need a college degree.
According toBusiness Insider, there are a number of high-profile entrepreneurs without a degree that you may find inspiring.
However, you’re gonna wanna apply the other points you just read in this article.
However, it’s only one of the many ways to become successful.
Many freelance opportunities won’t make your degree their top consideration.
Not having a college degree is not a hindrance to freelancing.
But this doesn’t mean that you get a free pass.
You still need to work hard, learn the skills, and gain experience to succeed as a freelancer.
