Freelancing during college will make the difference

By Shane Thoma

The end of the fall semester of your senior year has arrived. Although you should be celebrating, full of holiday cheer,  you are overcome with foreboding about the prospect of finding a job. I have found myself in this same predicament; it is best not to stare into the desolate and lonely expanse of the future unaccompanied. Therefore, I am here to share with you what I believe is the best way to create a footing in the business world and to differentiate yourself from the rest of your graduating class.  

When we eventually walk across the stage in our gowns into a new chapter of our adult lives, we begin disadvantaged by our uniformity. We all have similar degrees and have had similar internships. This becomes even more problematic when good jobs are few and entry-level positions. I have found myself stressing over getting an internship. Though vital in finding a job in an increasingly competitive job market, it has become nothing more than another check mark needed in order to simply qualify for a position. Don't chase that dream job at the New York Times with little more than the same basic degree and internships as everyone else. Get ahead of the game with freelance writing. 

Freelancing is unquestionably a hyper-competitive space, but there are always plenty of gigs to choose form. In recent years, companies have transitioned from hiring in-house writers to outsourcing writers. As a school of journalism student, looking to enter the adult world in stride, freelance writing provides nothing but potential benefits. 

One of the great things about freelance writing is the power of choice. Instead of being boxed into a specific category or topic of writing, you have the freedom to write about whatever you desire. In doing so you allow for the diversification of your portfolio. This demonstrates to future employers your skills as a writer and your ability to fit wherever you are needed. You also get to figure out what you enjoy writing about the most, if you have not already. While college and internships are vital for getting your footing and learning your craft, you may not get the opportunity to explore what you enjoy writing about the most, since your projects are predetermined. With freelance writing you get this opportunity. 

Once you have gained sufficient experience through freelance writing, the jobs that you want will find you. You are exactly who businesses want: an experienced writer who can take whatever they throw at you and who will push their team forward. You may not even want to leave the freelancing world. Many writers find themselves enjoying the freedom that comes with freelance writing. Instead of being committed to a constant routine at a more traditional job, freelancers have the ability to switch things up and pick up new and diverse projects. They are also able to set their own schedules, giving them the ability to make their work and social lives more compatible. 

Although it can be hard to find time to squeeze freelance projects into a busy college schedule -- many of us have multiple classes and jobs in between -- the time spent freelancing is worth it. Gaining real-world experience and having the ability to hone your craft before you graduate is invaluable. Doing so will put you a step ahead of your competitors and make you stand out to potential employers. So during this holiday season, as you roast your feet by a warm fire, sipping some hot chocolate, pull out your laptop and start searching for gigs. It may take some time to land your first one, but it only takes one to get the ball rolling.