7 answers
Allen
Student
Sedro-Woolley, Washington
1
Question
Updated
2925 views
What are some freelancing (i.e., "gig work") opportunities for information technology (IT) or computer science (CS) students that would help with gaining experience outside of class? #Spring25
So far, I am interested in desktop and laptop PC repair and upgrade, since I am working to earn my CompTIA A+ computer technician certification. Advice for gig work like this or any similar computer and mobile technology work would certainly be of great value to many!
I have heard that there are a lot of freelancing websites, but there are so many to choose from! Are there any that are especially great for beginners?
What are some options for finding clients that I may not be thinking about as a beginner to freelancing?
#Spring25
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6 answers
Sneha Deb
Tech Consultant
194
Answers
Edison, New Jersey
Updated
Sneha’s Answer
Hey Allen! You're already on a great path by working toward your CompTIA A+ certification, which gives you a strong foundation for tech freelancing. Since you're interested in PC repair and upgrades, you can offer services like laptop tune-ups, hardware installs, virus removal, and tech support for home users or small businesses. Platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, TaskRabbit are all great places to start, especially for beginners. You can also find clients by spreading the word through local Facebook groups, community boards, or even offering student discounts around campus. By starting small and asking for reviews, this will help you grow your experience and client base over time. Good luck!
Hello Sneha. Thank you for reaching out to answer my question! I hadn't heard of TaskRabbit yet, and I also hadn't thought to offer discounts to contacts or to mention my services within Facebook groups. I will also make sure that I ask for reviews!
Allen
Cameron Cooley
IT Field Technician
8
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Cameron’s Answer
Hey there! You're definitely on the right track by diving into PC repair and working toward your CompTIA A+—that hands-on experience is super valuable, especially for building trust with clients early on.
In terms of freelancing, think beyond just the major platforms. While Upwork and Fiverr are good starting points, they can be competitive. For beginners, Thumbtack and Nextdoor can be goldmines for local gigs—people often look for tech help nearby, and you can stand out more easily without a long history of reviews. You can also try listing services on Facebook Marketplace or reaching out to local libraries, cafes, or coworking spaces that might be open to partnerships or letting you post a flyer.
Don’t underestimate word-of-mouth, either. Consider offering a “friends and family” rate to get those first few happy clients and testimonials. You might even want to create a simple one-page website or Google Business profile to look more professional (can pay someone on fiverrr for cheap to make it).
Also, while you’re focused on repair now, consider branching into related services like setting up home networks, doing basic data recovery, or offering “tech coaching” for less tech-savvy folks (think helping seniors learn Zoom, or walking someone through a cloud backup setup). These can be great add-ons and lead to more consistent work.
Keep building on what you're doing! Practice and discipline will take you far! Hope this helps!
In terms of freelancing, think beyond just the major platforms. While Upwork and Fiverr are good starting points, they can be competitive. For beginners, Thumbtack and Nextdoor can be goldmines for local gigs—people often look for tech help nearby, and you can stand out more easily without a long history of reviews. You can also try listing services on Facebook Marketplace or reaching out to local libraries, cafes, or coworking spaces that might be open to partnerships or letting you post a flyer.
Don’t underestimate word-of-mouth, either. Consider offering a “friends and family” rate to get those first few happy clients and testimonials. You might even want to create a simple one-page website or Google Business profile to look more professional (can pay someone on fiverrr for cheap to make it).
Also, while you’re focused on repair now, consider branching into related services like setting up home networks, doing basic data recovery, or offering “tech coaching” for less tech-savvy folks (think helping seniors learn Zoom, or walking someone through a cloud backup setup). These can be great add-ons and lead to more consistent work.
Keep building on what you're doing! Practice and discipline will take you far! Hope this helps!
Hello Cameron. Thank you for your answers! You have provided the community with some great gems here! I am especially interested in working to offer some of the related services that you mentioned. Thank you for enlarging my world!
Allen
Therald Clayton
Technology
3
Answers
Flint, Michigan
Updated
Therald’s Answer
Freelancing is a great way for IT or computer science students to get real-world experience, build a portfolio, and earn some cash. A popular choice is web development, where students can make or update websites for small businesses, non-profits, or individuals. This lets them use HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and tools like React or WordPress in real projects. It not only boosts coding skills but also teaches how to manage projects and talk to clients.
Another good freelancing option is technical support or IT troubleshooting. Many small businesses or individuals need help setting up systems, managing software, or fixing simple network issues. Offering this help, even on sites like Upwork or Fiverr, builds hands-on technical skills and improves customer service abilities.
Students who like data or statistics can try data analysis jobs. These involve cleaning, organizing, and understanding data using tools like Excel, Python, R, or SQL. It’s a great way to improve analytical thinking and learn to explain technical findings to non-technical clients.
App and software development projects are also rewarding, especially for students interested in mobile or desktop applications. Freelancing on sites like Freelancer.com or contributing to GitHub's open-source projects can offer chances to work on real products, fix bugs, or add new features. These experiences look great on a resume and show initiative.
Students interested in cybersecurity can offer services like basic vulnerability checks, penetration testing (with permission), or setting up secure systems. Joining bug bounty programs is another way to gain experience and possibly earn money.
Freelancing also helps build a professional online presence. Creating a personal website or LinkedIn profile to show past work, client reviews, and skills can lead to steady side work or even full-time consulting jobs after graduation.
Another good freelancing option is technical support or IT troubleshooting. Many small businesses or individuals need help setting up systems, managing software, or fixing simple network issues. Offering this help, even on sites like Upwork or Fiverr, builds hands-on technical skills and improves customer service abilities.
Students who like data or statistics can try data analysis jobs. These involve cleaning, organizing, and understanding data using tools like Excel, Python, R, or SQL. It’s a great way to improve analytical thinking and learn to explain technical findings to non-technical clients.
App and software development projects are also rewarding, especially for students interested in mobile or desktop applications. Freelancing on sites like Freelancer.com or contributing to GitHub's open-source projects can offer chances to work on real products, fix bugs, or add new features. These experiences look great on a resume and show initiative.
Students interested in cybersecurity can offer services like basic vulnerability checks, penetration testing (with permission), or setting up secure systems. Joining bug bounty programs is another way to gain experience and possibly earn money.
Freelancing also helps build a professional online presence. Creating a personal website or LinkedIn profile to show past work, client reviews, and skills can lead to steady side work or even full-time consulting jobs after graduation.
Hello Therald. Thank you for your thoughtful answer! I especially appreciate how you painted gig work as an opportunity to improve my client-facing communication skills. It is exciting to see you mention web development and project management, as those are two capabilities that I think I am well suited to exploring along my career pathway! I will also take some time to examine my LinkedIn profile, as you suggest, and add experience as I gain it. Thank you for contributing to my professional growth!
Allen
Varun Devulapalli
Digital Forensics and Incident Response analyst
1
Answer
East Brunswick, New Jersey
Updated
Varun’s Answer
Like everything in computer science it really depends on what you are interested. Seems like sneha has covered the repair aspect really well but for other aspects of computer science there are plenty of resources to upskill depending on what you are interested. For software-engineering, doing some leetcode questions and the like will help you understand higher level coding concepts and put to use what you learn in class. Think of them more like puzzles. Hackathons are also another way to make yourself known and learn
For cybersecurity, I really recommend doing CTFs and finding writeups to learn. overthewire.org is also a fantastic resource to learn basic cybersecurity concepts.
For cybersecurity, I really recommend doing CTFs and finding writeups to learn. overthewire.org is also a fantastic resource to learn basic cybersecurity concepts.
Hello Varun. Thank you for taking the time to answer my question! I have heard about leetcode through a coworker, who recommended it for technical interview preparation, but I have yet to visit. I will place it on my list of things to do! Hackathons sound like a fun challenge, and I am hoping to attend some when I have gained some more relevant skill! I hadn't heard of CTFs (capture the flag), or overthewire, but I have done a cursory search and they both seem to be valuable resources that I will probably take advantage of soon! Thank you for enlarging my world.
Allen
David O'Daniel
I manage service technicians
4
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
David’s Answer
As a manager in a major IT company, it can be challenging to highlight your freelance experience in an interview. Start by creating a business name to add to your resume if you want to freelance. Use this name wherever you offer your services.
If freelancing doesn't work out, consider reaching out to agencies like TekSystems, InsightGlobal, or SAIT Computer. They offer short-term gig opportunities. I've hired people who filled employment gaps this way, and it shows that you're proactive and eager to keep working. Interviewers appreciate seeing that you're motivated and open to new opportunities.
If freelancing doesn't work out, consider reaching out to agencies like TekSystems, InsightGlobal, or SAIT Computer. They offer short-term gig opportunities. I've hired people who filled employment gaps this way, and it shows that you're proactive and eager to keep working. Interviewers appreciate seeing that you're motivated and open to new opportunities.
Ivy (Xinrui) Guo
Auditor
3
Answers
San Jose, California
Updated
Ivy (Xinrui)’s Answer
It’s fantastic that you’re working toward your CompTIA A+ certification and looking to gain hands-on experience outside the classroom. There are so many ways you can put your growing IT skills to good use while helping others at the same time. For example, offering PC and laptop repair or upgrade services is always in demand. Many people need help with things like hardware replacement, installing operating systems, removing viruses, or upgrading components such as RAM and SSDs. Your expertise in these areas can really make a difference for someone who feels stuck with a slow or malfunctioning computer.
You might also consider helping people with their mobile devices. Setting up a new smartphone or tablet, transferring data, or fixing minor issues can be overwhelming for some, and your support could make their lives much easier. Similarly, home networking setup is another valuable service. Many clients struggle with configuring their Wi-Fi, setting up routers, or troubleshooting connectivity problems, and they’d appreciate having someone knowledgeable to rely on.
Another great way to help is by offering software installation and support. Whether it’s installing new programs, setting up email accounts, or troubleshooting software glitches, you can provide much-needed assistance to those who aren’t as comfortable with technology. Providing basic IT support—either remotely or in person—for small businesses or individuals is also a wonderful way to build your skills and reputation.
Additionally, you could assist people with data backup and recovery. Helping someone set up a reliable backup system or recover lost files can save them a lot of stress and heartache. Finally, offering device consultation is a thoughtful service; many people aren’t sure what kind of computer or device to buy, or how to get the most out of what they already have. Your advice could help them make informed decisions and get better value for their money.
By offering these kinds of services, you’ll not only gain valuable real-world experience but also make a positive impact on your clients’ lives. Best of luck as you start your freelancing journey!
You might also consider helping people with their mobile devices. Setting up a new smartphone or tablet, transferring data, or fixing minor issues can be overwhelming for some, and your support could make their lives much easier. Similarly, home networking setup is another valuable service. Many clients struggle with configuring their Wi-Fi, setting up routers, or troubleshooting connectivity problems, and they’d appreciate having someone knowledgeable to rely on.
Another great way to help is by offering software installation and support. Whether it’s installing new programs, setting up email accounts, or troubleshooting software glitches, you can provide much-needed assistance to those who aren’t as comfortable with technology. Providing basic IT support—either remotely or in person—for small businesses or individuals is also a wonderful way to build your skills and reputation.
Additionally, you could assist people with data backup and recovery. Helping someone set up a reliable backup system or recover lost files can save them a lot of stress and heartache. Finally, offering device consultation is a thoughtful service; many people aren’t sure what kind of computer or device to buy, or how to get the most out of what they already have. Your advice could help them make informed decisions and get better value for their money.
By offering these kinds of services, you’ll not only gain valuable real-world experience but also make a positive impact on your clients’ lives. Best of luck as you start your freelancing journey!