5 answers
Allen
Student
Sedro-Woolley, Washington
1
Question
Updated
1487 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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4 answers
Sneha Deb
Tech Consultant
188
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
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
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