One of several challenges faced by university students is financial difficulties, posing a lot of threats to their concentration in class. However, since the idea of remote work gained momentum in 2020 during the COVID-19 outbreak, there has been a massive adoption of remote work by students to earn income through different Online Side Hustles for Students while also undergoing their University degrees.
Smart side hustles have proven to be valuable, exposing students to gaining experience, and building skills and intellect; thereby, overcoming the arguments against it being a distractor to students’ attention. On the same note, side hustles help students foot bills and provide financial independence for them to a reasonable extent.
Premised on the above, this article aims to provide undergraduates with tips on how they can explore online side hustles for students to make passive income while in school. It will also discuss on-demand skills in the tech industry to become outstanding.
Table of Contents
Online Side Hustles for Students: Maximizing Earnings with Remote Work
Navigating the Saturated Tech Industry
As a student willing to dive into the tech industry, you need to know that the field isn’t a bed of roses; it’s like a market of top-notch goods sellers offering high-quality services with a limited number of buyers. The market is saturated. You’ll always be faced with a massive number of people who are as skilled as you are or more than you are in the field wherein there are limited demands. Hence, this brings obstacles ranging from securing consistent gigs to maintaining a balanced work life which tend to affect your flow of income.
However, there is no field without challenges; what you may need is how to overcome these threats. Therefore, following the tips below may help you further.
Focus on a Niche.
There is no doubt that the freelance world is porous; so, you need to specialize in a part of it right from the formative years so as to stand tall, giant and strong like the African ‘Iroko Tree’. This helps you to stand out among your colleagues. You will set yourself apart and reduce your competition rate with others. Practically, instead of competing with thousands of freelance writers generally, focusing on technical or crypto content writing only restricts your competition with others to that ambit. In other words, specializing in Energy Law affords you the opportunity to be known in that area rather than being in the open market with Lawyers combining every part.
Moving forward, as you continue to grow professionally, you will need to upskill yourself in your chosen niche almost every week so as to stay on top of trends, become more developed, qualified and be relevant. Doing this when you do not niche down your interest will be challenging and impossible. This is because you will need to update yourself on every tiny bit of those areas where you are going to face greater and more challenging stress that comes with the schedule.
When you focus and develop yourself as a Mobile App Developer, you will be known with ease. And this will allow you to know the needs and yearns of clients in that area better. Moving forward, you will need to develop a strong online presence, flaunting your skills and experience; actively network to build connections and hunt opportunities within the industry; and build a unique value proposition that distinguishes you among your colleagues.
On-Demand Skills for Students
As a student willing to master the art of digital skill, you may consider any of these: Content Writing, Digital marketing, Web development and design, graphics design and data entry, and virtual assistance and data entry. These are skills with massive demands across various marketplaces.
Content Writing:
Content writing is the art of weaving words to convey a message directed at an audience. Similarly, it represents the art of researching topics, formulating guidelines and putting words together to drive results or conversions in line with an organization’s goals. You can explore copywriting, blog writing, or social media content writing.
Digital Marketing:
Digital Marketing is an additional way for companies to reach out to their clients through social media, websites, apps, mobile devices, search engines and other online or digital means to promote and market their services. Examples of this are social media marketing, email marketing and SEO.
Web Development and Design:
- Web Development: This field focuses on the technical aspects of building websites and applications. Developers use programming languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create functional websites. They also work on back-end development, which involves databases, servers, and the overall infrastructure that powers a website.
- Web Design: Web designers focus on the visual aesthetics and user experience (UX) of a website. They create layouts, design user interfaces (UI), and ensure the website is visually appealing, easy to navigate, and functional across different devices.
Graphics Design and Data Entry:
- Graphic Design: This field involves creating visual content using software like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. Graphic designers create logos, illustrations, social media graphics, marketing materials, and other visual elements.
- Data Entry: Data entry involves manually inputting data into computer systems. This can include tasks like entering product information into an e-commerce website, transcribing audio recordings, or filling out online forms.
Virtual Assistance and Data Entry:
- Virtual Assistance (VA): A virtual assistant provides remote administrative, technical, or creative assistance to clients. Tasks can vary but may include scheduling appointments, managing social media accounts, email management, data entry, and bookkeeping.
While data entry can be a standalone task, it’s also a common service offered by virtual assistants.
Exploring Freelancing And Remote Work Platforms
Having identified the benefits of freelancing and remote work, the next step is to find the right platform to showcase your skills and connect with potential clients. Here are some popular options to consider:
- Upwork: A well-established platform for freelancers of all skill sets, Upwork allows you to create a profile, browse job postings, and submit proposals to interested clients.
- Fiverr: Fiverr caters to a marketplace of “micro-tasks” where you can offer specific services at set prices. This is a great option for students with well-defined skills like graphic design or data entry.
- Freelancer: Similar to Upwork, Freelancer offers a platform for freelancers to connect with clients and find freelance jobs.
- Guru: Another popular platform, Guru allows you to create a profile, browse projects, and send proposals directly to clients.
Strategies to Attract Clients
Building a strong freelance profile takes time and effort. Here are some strategies to attract clients and stand out from the competition:
- Craft a Compelling Profile: Clearly showcase your skills, experience, and education on your profile. Include relevant keywords and tailor your profile to your chosen niche.
- Build a Portfolio: Having a strong portfolio is essential to demonstrate your abilities to potential clients. Include your best work samples, even if they are from academic projects.
- Competitive Rates: When starting, consider offering competitive rates to attract clients. You can gradually increase your rates as you gain experience and build a positive reputation.
- Positive Client Reviews: Providing excellent service and exceeding client expectations is crucial for securing positive reviews. These positive reviews will build trust with future clients.
- Network Actively: Connect with other freelancers and industry professionals online and offline. Attend industry events or online communities to build relationships and find potential clients.
Balancing Studies and Remote Work
Balancing your studies with remote work requires effective time management and organisation. You may find these tips helpful:
- Create a Schedule: Develop a realistic schedule that allocates time for both your studies and freelance work. Be sure to factor in breaks and relaxation time.
- Prioritize Tasks: Identify the most important tasks for both your studies and freelance work and prioritize them accordingly.
- Communicate Effectively: Communicate clearly with both professors and clients about your commitments and deadlines.
- Minimize Distractions: Set aside dedicated work time where you minimize distractions like social media notifications. Consider using time management tools to stay focused.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Say No: It’s okay to decline freelance projects if you don’t have the time or capacity. Prioritize your studies when necessary.
Final Thoughts on Online Side Hustles for Students
Freelancing and remote work can be a rewarding way for students to earn extra income, gain valuable experience, and develop in-demand skills. By focusing on a niche, building a strong online presence, and effectively managing your time, you can successfully navigate the world of remote work while excelling in your studies. Success takes dedication and consistent effort. Start small, be persistent, and with time, you can establish a thriving freelance career alongside your academic journey.