A Complete Beginner’s Guide to Freelancing for Students and New Grads

Think 9-to-5 isn’t your thing? Welcome to the party. Many students and grads crave more freedom, and freelancing offers just that. As a freelancer, you choose your clients, rates, and schedule. No micromanaging boss, no dependencies on your colleagues, just you — calling the shots. It’s especially appealing because you gain real-world experience on your terms. You can start small with a few projects alongside your studies and scale up (or not) over time. It’s a smart way to earn while you learn, and it builds a portfolio that makes you shine post-grad. But freelancing isn’t that simple and it’s definitely not for everyone. It comes with hurdles — erratic paychecks, tedious admin work, and client-wrangling stress. Dive into this guide to see if freelancing is your next adventure (and if it is, learn how to do it right).

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By Christina Moreschi
Christina Moreschi Director of Career Events and Outreach