How do I get my first IT freelance job?
Hi everyone, I’m an international student currently studying a Master’s in IT, switching my career from retail to tech. My goal is to eventually work as an IT freelancer, or maybe a part-time freelancer.
Over the past year, I’ve spent a lot of time learning and building real projects. I’ve launched several websites using React.js and Vue.js, and used some AWS cloud services for deployment, including my own developer portfolio site. One of the websites I built was for a friend’s event company, just because I wanted to help and gain experience.
Last week, I also launched my first iOS app. Even though I built it with ChatGPT’s help, it gave me my first real experience in submitting an app to the App Store and understanding the process. Besides frontend and backend work, I’m also self-studying CCNA to strengthen my networking fundamentals.
I sometimes share my progress on social media, and once a former colleague asked if I could build a website for her new boutique. But after that, there haven’t been any updates yet. So up to now, I still haven’t officially received my first freelance job request.
I’d really love some advice from people who have freelanced or are freelancing in IT. How did you get your very first freelance job? And is there anything more I can do to start getting real opportunities?
Thanks in advance!
3 answers
Thelma’s Answer
Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer
Beginner freelance jobs often come from networking with friends, former colleagues, classmates, or professional connections on LinkedIn. You can build credibility on Stack Exchange by consistently answering questions in your field, like IT, networking, React/Vue, or cloud deployment. Earning reputation points and adding links to your portfolio in your profile can help clients find you. Joining community chat rooms or discussions can also lead to informal connections and freelance opportunities.
Freelance marketplaces like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer are great for getting your first verified jobs and reviews. More specialized platforms like Toptal or Gun.io can be good long-term goals. Reddit communities like r/freelance or r/forhire, and local tech or startup groups, can also offer small project opportunities. Let your network know you are available for freelance work and clearly list the types of projects you can handle. Offering help to small businesses or student groups with minor fixes or improvements can lead to referrals. By being active online, showcasing your projects, participating in communities, and reaching out to your network, you greatly increase your chances of landing your first freelance client.
Steven’s Answer
That boutique lead from your former colleague is where I’d start. Don’t wait for her to come back to you — follow up. A simple, confident message like “Hey, wanted to circle back — I’d love to help get your boutique online, want to hop on a quick call this week?” is all it takes. Most people don’t say no, they just get busy and forget. One follow-up can turn a stalled conversation into your first real paying client.
Beyond that, the most underrated move you can make right now is just telling people explicitly that you’re available for freelance work. Your classmates, professors, international student community, anyone from your Master’s program — people can’t refer you if they don’t know you’re open. A straightforward LinkedIn post saying you’re taking on web and app projects gets more traction than most people expect, especially when you have real work to back it up.
On the portfolio side, make sure you’re framing your projects around outcomes rather than just tech. Instead of “built a website with React,” something like “designed and deployed a full website for an event company, end to end including AWS hosting” hits differently to someone who doesn’t speak code. And don’t undersell the App Store launch — navigating that submission process is something most developers genuinely haven’t done. Lead with it.
Since Upwork and Fiverr are rough for newcomers, go direct wherever you can. Small businesses in Victoria, student-run startups, campus organizations — these are people who need a developer but can’t afford an agency, and you’re a perfect fit. Walking into a local business and showing them a mockup of what their site could look like is a move almost nobody else is making, which is exactly why it works.
You’re not missing skills. You’re just waiting for the first domino to fall — go push it.