Web Development
Coding can seem intimidating for those not familiar with the topic but in today's hyper-connected age the barrier to entry has never been so low and the earning potential has never been so high! Forget a bar job in the student union - you can be earning cash part-time by developing websites for clients before you even graduate. The most exciting thing about web development is that you get what you put in. If you're willing to learn there are hundreds of free courses and blogs online which cover everything from basic HTML coding to development best practices.
Graphic Design
Ever seen a poster and thought “I could make something better than that?” Well, now you can! You don’t need a degree from a prestigious art school to learn graphic design, in fact you don’t need any formal training at all. You could be making logos for a new business, information flyers for a local event or branding the next big start-up all from the comfort of your room!
It’s incredibly easy to get started designing online. You can start by using online image editors such as Canva and utilise some of their basic templates to give you an idea of how to compose and rearrange imagery. After mastering this you’ll be ready to tackle more advanced programmes such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. You can find a wide array of free graphic design resources online to help get you started.
Photography
Ok, so maybe this one might require you to leave the house from time to time to actually get some interesting pictures, but the fundamentals of digital photography can absolutely be learnt online. Master your camera and learn about image composition, exposure and post-processing and you’ll be making obscure themed Instagram profiles for wannabe trendy brands in no time. From being the club photographer at the student bar to photographing weddings during summer, you can make some quick cash by learning photography in your spare time. Easy to learn but a challenge to master - get outside and get snapping.
Digital Marketing
More and more businesses are increasingly selling their products online which means, as digital natives, students are uniquely placed to take advantage. Whether you want to be a Social Media Manager, SEO specialist or all-in-one marketing guru there are a range of exciting opportunities up for grabs in this ever-changing field. Wherever your interests lie there is a plethora of marketing courses and blogs online to help get you started.
Copywriting
Copywriting is the art of getting your message read. Sound simple? Maybe. But things aren’t always as they seem. Learn to become a master wordsmith who inspires people to take action and you’ll never find yourself out of a job come graduation day. Copywriting is an incredibly important skill, yet one that anyone can perfect with enough practice. You’ll be creating blogs, updating product listings and writing viral tweets between classes whilst pocketing some cash. Still sound good? Then get writing by searching through the large range of copywriting resources available online.
Translation
Great news for those of you studying a language - you’re already halfway there! If not, no need to fret. You’re just a few resources away from being a bilingual superstar. Many businesses are seeking candidates with a second language to help translate their websites or marketing material. Even if you don’t decide to become a freelance translator, knowing a second language can kickstart careers you never would have thought about. If you’ve ever thought about travelling to new countries, now you can do so without fear of a language barrier holding you back! Become a citizen of the world and have a look through some of the language learning websites you can find online.
Congratulations! You are now a freelancer. Get started by pitching your services and ideas to friends and family or utilise sites like fiverr or upwork to start building up your own client list.
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