Congratulations! You’re an engineer! After the long, hard work you put into your degree, it’s finally time to reap the rewards. Or rather, it’s time to start reaping them: The average starting salary of engineers is a whopping $66,000 per year.
However, if you find yourself dissatisfied with the 9-to-5 grind and have always wanted to strike out on your own as a freelancer or consultant, there are ways you can leverage that engineering degree to reach new heights in your career and beyond.
Here are just a few tips to help you get started on this exciting entrepreneurial venture:
| Takeaway |
|---|
| Engineering graduates can explore freelancing as a rewarding career option. |
| Building a strong portfolio showcasing engineering skills is essential for attracting clients. |
| Effective time management is crucial to balance freelancing and engineering commitments. |
| Leveraging freelancing platforms can help connect with potential clients globally. |
| Continuous learning and upskilling are vital to stay relevant in the competitive freelance market. |
| Networking and building professional relationships can lead to long-term freelance success. |
| Embracing a growth mindset and learning from rejections can foster freelancing resilience. |
| Setting competitive but fair rates based on skills and market demand is key to freelancing success. |
| Maintaining open communication and setting clear expectations with clients is vital for project success. |
| Diversifying income streams and exploring various engineering freelance opportunities can maximize earnings. |
Know Your Goals
It’s important to know what you want out of freelancing before you launch yourself into the world. Are you looking for a higher-paying job? Do you want to work with a specific client or type of client? Do you have any goals with regards to location, timeline, or lifestyle?
Knowing your goals will help guide other aspects of this process as well. For example, if one of your priorities is finding clients who value education and mentorship in their engineers and designers (as opposed to just raw talent).
Knowing that will help narrow down the type of clients who are likely going to be a good match for your services.
If another priority is finding work quickly so that it doesn’t interfere with school or family obligations, then knowing where there might be demand for engineers in your area could help narrow down potential opportunities even further.
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Get A Portfolio
A portfolio is a collection of your work that showcases your skills, experience, and creativity. A portfolio is important because it allows you to show off what you have done. This can help you find freelance work and get clients interested in hiring you for their projects.
Here are some tips for creating an awesome engineering portfolio:
Include the results of your projects (diagrams, pictures) so that people can see how they turned out after they were finished by using photos or screenshots from the software tools used during the design process.
Include examples of documentation produced during a project so that potential employers know how well suited you are at communicating with clients / other team members through written communication.
This includes emails as well as more formal documents like proposals/reports/specifications etc…
Build A Strong Profile
When you are starting your freelance career, it’s important to give yourself the best chance at success by ensuring that your profile is as professional, up-to-date, clear, and interesting as possible.
This starts with making sure that all of the information on your profile is correct and consistent. If you’re using an online CV builder tool like ours or another service like LinkedIn then make sure that information such as job titles and dates are accurate.
You should also include any skills or qualifications which may be relevant for potential clients to know about. This can include anything from first aid training to computer programming skills or a keen interest in graphic design (if this is something that interests you).
If there are any gaps in employment history then these should be explained clearly so that potential employers understand what has been going on during this time.
Perhaps they were volunteering abroad with charity work or saving money before starting their business venture!
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Have A Creative Angle
It’s important to have a creative angle. The most successful freelancers are the ones who can stand out from other freelancers and show that they have unique skills.
For example, if you’re applying for a job as an in-house designer, you might want to highlight your experience with user research or accessibility testing, which are skills not usually taught in traditional design programs.
If you’re applying for jobs outside of this area and want to be more versatile.
Then emphasize how much time and effort you’ve spent on self-development outside of school such as by taking classes or workshops and reading books about UX best practices (many of which are available online).
For example:
If I were applying for an internship with a company like Google or Facebook (or any other company known for its innovative approach).
I would need some way of showing that I understand how these companies operate at their core and what makes them so successful to get ahead when competing against hundreds (or thousands) of other applicants each year!
Build A Resume
A resume is a great way to showcase your skills and experience. You know what you are capable of, so the goal of the resume is to tell the hiring manager that. It’s important to tailor your resume for each job you apply for.
You should be able to provide examples from previous work experiences, school projects, or extracurricular activities that demonstrate how you can contribute value in this role. Keep it short and sweet: two pages max!
Also, remember that nobody likes sitting through an overly long body paragraph; make sure that everything on your resume is easy to read and free from errors (no grammar mistakes).
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Pay Attention To The Details
A lot of the most successful freelancers have a few things in common. They pay attention to the details, they have the right tools for the job, and they make sure that their clients are a good fit for them.
The same is true for you as well! It’s important to make sure that you have all of these things before you get started freelancing full-time.
You need to be careful about who you work with and what sort of projects you take on too.
For example, if someone asks me to write an article about how great their company is using only my own words (like “I love your brand because it makes me feel good inside”), then I turn around and do my best not to take their money because I know it won’t be worth it in the end.
Treat It Like A Real Job
Treating your freelance work as a real job will help you keep your sanity and can help you grow into a successful business. Here are some tips to get started:
Get organized! Use software like Google Sheets to keep track of all your projects, invoices, expenses, and income. If you’re using any kind of accounting software (Quickbooks, Wave Accounting) it’s important to know exactly what taxes need to be paid and on what dates.
Be professional when communicating with clients over email or social media so they know that you take their project seriously. Always respond promptly!
Stay disciplined by setting daily goals for yourself so that when something comes up unexpectedly (like an emergency).
There is less chance that you’ll give up on the project altogether because there will always be more work later on down the road if necessary assuming another client doesn’t come along first!
Be accountable by tracking hours spent on each task as well as results achieved during those sessions this way if anything goes wrong later down the road there won’t be any surprises for either party involved: someone else might have done this same job before?
Be Informed
The world of engineering can be a fast-moving one. It’s important to stay informed about the latest news and trends in your field, as well as what’s happening in the industry overall.
One way to do this is by reading industry publications and blogs. Another option is to join professional associations that are relevant to your interests and career goals.
Talking with other engineers can also provide valuable insights into an emerging trend or technology in your field, which will help you stay up-to-date on what might be coming down the pipeline next!
Get The Right Tools For The Job
- Get the right tools for the job.
It’s a common misconception that you can get by with just your laptop and an internet connection when working as a freelance engineer.
While both of these things are certainly important, many other tools will help make your life easier if you’re trying to get started as a freelancer. Here are some of my recommendations:
A good laptop – This needs to be able to run all necessary software and applications smoothly while also being portable enough that you can take it with you wherever is needed (e.g., client meetings).
A printer – In addition to providing paper copies of documents, this will allow printing out any diagrams or schematics that may be needed by clients during meetings or for reports.
Having access to a scanner is also useful but not required since most scanners have built-in OCR features which allow converting images into text files so they can be edited easily later on (when necessary).
Rejections are a part of the freelancing journey, but learning from them is essential. Gain valuable insights and tips from our article on Why I Got Rejected with a Long-Term Client and Why You Should Care to bounce back stronger.
Find The Right Clients For You
As a budding freelancer, you need to be clear on the type of clients you want to work with. You need to be able to attract those clients, so find out what they’re looking for and then create products or services that have the right value proposition for them.
- Be clear on your strengths and weaknesses
- Know what you are good at doing
- Know what you are not good at doing
- Know your target market and niche; this will also help inform which type of work appeals most strongly to them (i.e., do they tend towards smaller projects or larger ones?)
- Understand who else is working in this space competitors as well as complimentary service providers so that when reaching out about a potential project there’s no confusion about whether it would fit into their workflow or not
Meet Deadlines
When starting, you will almost certainly be a newbie. This means that you’ll have less experience and fewer resources at your disposal than more experienced professionals.
That’s why it’s imperative to learn how to meet deadlines as soon as possible; this will give you the self-confidence and trustworthiness that clients crave from freelancers.
Here are some tips for meeting deadlines:
Break down large projects into smaller tasks with specific due dates attached, so there’s no confusion about when each part is due or where it stands about other parts of the project (the best way I’ve found for doing this is using Trello).
Make sure each task has its own clear set of instructions and reference materials; this will make it easier for those who take over if something happens during or after completion day (such as an emergency client call).
Get up early if necessary, stay up late if necessary do whatever needs to be done to get things done on time!
Make Sure You Have Time To Spare
You will have to sacrifice time with friends and family. You will have to work on weekends and holidays. You will have to work on your birthday. You will have to work when you are sick. You will also have to work when you are tired, but that goes without saying.
Work Around The Clock, Work When You Can
Work when you can, and when you are most productive, creative, and motivated.
You’ll probably be working around the clock during your first few months as a freelancer. When I interviewed for an entry-level position at Ernst & Young (EY), one of my interviewers asked me how I would manage to work while studying full-time if I got hired.
This was something that had never crossed my mind before it felt like a non-issue at the time.
Since I assumed that working part-time would be sufficient as long as there were breaks in between classes during which I could do homework or other tasks related to my degree program.
But once graduation rolled around, reality hit hard: there were no more breaks!
Sure enough, those precious hours between classes turned out to be prime time for me because they gave me the chance to do my best work without any distractions or interruptions from others around me who might otherwise have gotten in my way (or worse yet – interrupted me).
Stay Away From Low-Paying Gigs
You can’t expect to get paid what you’re worth if you’re doing low-paying gigs. It’s a basic law of economics:
The market sets your price based on how much value you provide to your clients, and there are plenty of people out there willing to provide less than the value they’ve been hired for.
That means that those who are serious about their careers will be able to negotiate a higher pay than those who take whatever job they can get.
If you decide that working on a project is not worth your time, effort, or money (or any combination thereof), it’s okay to turn down work even if it seems like an exciting opportunity at first glance!
Don’t Forget To Network
The most important aspect of freelancing is building your client base, and having a strong network will help you do that. A good way to start is by making sure you know your target audience, as well as what is being talked about in your industry.
If you don’t already have one, create a LinkedIn profile and make sure it contains all the relevant information for someone looking at hiring an engineer or programmer (i.e., location).
Follow some industry leaders on Twitter so that if they tweet something relevant to the field, it appears in your newsfeed, and don’t forget about using Facebook (or whatever other social media platform suits you best)!
It’s also important that engineers develop their brand online; consider joining an industry-related forum on a topic related to engineering/programming where people can get to know who you are without having met face-to-face first (e.g., Reddit).
This will give them an idea of whether or not working with someone like yourself would be worth their time investment before committing any money into hiring services from someone new within this field!
Of course, there are many ways one could approach networking through online platforms such as the ones mentioned above;
however, another effective strategy would be attending conferences where scientists from all over gather together under one roof during certain periods throughout the year(s).
One example would be BioTechCon17 which took place recently at San Francisco Marriott Marquis Hotel amongst other locations around the country – including New York City!
Are you considering a career in technical writing? Explore the key aspects and potential opportunities in our guide on Is Technical Writing the Career for You? and see if it aligns with your interests and skills.
Being A Freelance Engineer Is Not As Easy As It Sounds
While the idea of being a freelance engineer may seem glamorous, it’s not as easy as it sounds.
The first step is to build an impressive portfolio so that you can market yourself as a professional engineer right away. However, this can be challenging if you don’t have any experience in the field.
To make things easier on yourself, try learning new skills and techniques that will help your career grow over time.
For example: learn how to code using HTML5 or CSS3 so that potential clients know they’re hiring someone up-to-date on current trends in technology;
Take classes at local community colleges where instructors are willing to teach basic concepts related to engineering so that no one knows about what kind of work experience he/she has had before entering into this line of work;
Perhaps even consider taking some online courses offered by reputable institutions like MIT OpenCourseWare which provides free access to information related
Conclusion
As an engineering graduate, you have many advantages that other freelancers may not. You are smart, experienced, and a hard worker.
Combine these qualities with the power of freelance platforms to get a steady stream of projects, and you’re on your way to building your own business!
Further Reading
How to Start Freelancing: A Comprehensive Guide Learn the essential steps to kickstart your freelancing career with this comprehensive guide.
Starting Freelancing as a Computer Science Student If you’re a computer science student looking to begin freelancing, this article provides valuable insights to get you started.
Six Tips for New Freelancers New to freelancing? Discover six practical tips to navigate your freelance journey successfully.
FAQs
How do I find my first freelance gig?
Finding your first freelance gig can be challenging. Start by creating a strong portfolio showcasing your skills and expertise. Utilize freelancing platforms and social networks to network and connect with potential clients. Consider offering your services at competitive rates initially to build a client base and gain experience.
How can I set freelance rates that are competitive yet fair?
Setting freelance rates involves considering factors like your experience, skill level, industry standards, and the scope of the project. Research the average rates for similar freelance services and adjust accordingly. Be transparent with clients about your pricing structure and the value you bring to the table.
What are some effective ways to manage my freelance workload?
Effective workload management is crucial for maintaining a successful freelance career. Use tools like project management software and calendars to organize tasks and deadlines. Prioritize tasks based on urgency and complexity. Don’t hesitate to delegate or outsource non-essential tasks when needed.
How do I handle late payments from clients?
Late payments can be frustrating for freelancers. Set clear payment terms in your contracts and follow up promptly if clients miss a payment deadline. Be polite but firm in your communications, and consider implementing late fees to encourage timely payments. Building strong client relationships can also reduce the likelihood of payment delays.
Should I specialize in a niche or offer a broader range of services?
Choosing between specializing in a niche or offering a broader range of services depends on your strengths, interests, and market demand. Specializing in a niche can make you stand out and attract specific clients, while offering a range of services can provide more opportunities. Assess your skills and preferences to make an informed decision.
Costantine Edward is a digital marketing expert, freelance writer, and entrepreneur who helps people attain financial freedom. I’ve been working in marketing since I was 18 years old and have managed to build a successful career doing what I love.