4 Great Skills for Tech Industry Freelancers
If you have significant skills and a proven track record in technology or software development, you have lots of alternatives when it comes to choosing how you make money. The traditional path of employment and a steady paycheck is certainly one option that many choose to pursue. Increasingly though, many individuals within the technology field are choosing to work as a freelancer. Rather than working for one employer year after year, freelancers have the freedom to create a life where they can work from anywhere and select projects that they want to work on.
Software Developer
As a software developer you will have numerous options to work with technology companies, businesses and large-scale non-profit clients such as hospitals. Ideally, you will be highly proficient in more than one programming language. Some of the most popular coding languages include Python, Ruby, JavaScript, C#, Java and C++ and, generally speaking, employers will expect you to have a college degree. Software developers can earn significant money after graduating but many start out taking freelance jobs on the side to cover their student loan repayments. Sound like something you’d like to do? Get jobs that will allow you to pay off your student loans that you used to finance tuition costs quickly by setting up profiles on sites such as Toptal, Hired, X-Team and Fiverr Pro.
Web Designer
Being a highly successful and much sought after Web Designer requires a variety of technical and visual design expertise. The best designers are experts in crafting the perfect user experience (UX) and developing a web site design that reflects a sophisticated visual aesthetic. The languages and tools used in developing the site cross multiple disciplines. Sketch is often used for the UX design, and deep knowledge and proven skills in HTML and CSS are expected. Photoshop will be used to create the web graphics and UI elements. It’s also necessary to understand the latest methodologies for creating responsive web sites.99Designs, Freelancer, Upwork and Hubstaff Talent are all platforms that connect web designers with clients.
Mobile App Development
Typically, mobile app developers are expected to have a degree in computer science and be proficient in two or more languages, including SQL, Python, Java, JavaScript, PHP, C#, C++ or Ruby on Rails. With the fast pace of changes in the industry, however, it’s important to keep adding to your skillset and knowledge base. Coding bootcamps are amazing as they give developers the chance to learn advanced, fast-paced training in new disciplines. When developing for the mobile environment, it’s critical to consider key resources like storage, bandwidth and memory that are more constrained on mobile devices. Upwork, Freelancer, Truelancer, and Honeypot are all developer focused job platforms.
Software Testing and Quality Assurance
Application development is never complete until the software testing and quality assurance phase of the project is completed. Numerous tests of performance, function, scalability and user interface are done to help assure that the software or app works reliably and exactly as intended. Software testers should have knowledge of programming languages and, in some cases; knowledge of databases is also a plus. Certification in software testing will open more high paying project opportunities. Among the most popular are Certified Software Tester (CSTE) and ISTQB Certified Tester.
