With the shortage of human resources in the IT industry and the support of work style reforms, the demand and popularity of freelance engineers is increasing.
So what kind of route should a person who wants to become a freelance engineer from inexperienced IT practice take? In this article, I will explain the points and practical experience that inexperienced people need to know in order to become a freelance engineer.
table of contents
- 1. Conditions you want to clear in order to become a freelance engineer
- 2. Example route from inexperienced to becoming a freelance engineer
- 3. 3. Can you aim to become a freelance engineer from inexperienced people no matter how old you are?
- Four. summary
1. Conditions you want to clear in order to become a freelance engineer
It’s not impossible to suddenly become a freelance engineer from inexperienced IT work, but in reality it’s not very realistic.
Freelance engineers, who are contracts for each case, are required to be ready for action.
Please note that some freelance projects that are OK with no practical experience may have work content that is far from that of an engineer, or the unit price may be quite low.
Based on these, next, I will explain the conditions for becoming a freelance engineer from inexperienced work.
1.1 Gain at least one year of work experience
If you are a web engineer, we recommend that you gain about one year of work experience at a company that has experience in developing web services.
Due to the shortage of IT human resources in recent years, there are many projects even if the practical experience as an engineer is as short as one year.
In fact, many freelance agents introduce projects based on “about one year of work experience.
1.2 Acquire technical skills as an engineer
Technical skills are essential for engineers, but if you do not have practical experience, you will need to study enough to cover them.
With the increase in the number and demand of IT engineers in recent years, programming schools, online learning, books, etc. have been enhanced, and it is possible to hone skills in various ways.
Let’s learn the techniques that you want to be strong or lack, in the way that suits you.
1.3 Imagine a career path as an engineer
Being a freelance engineer has the advantage of giving you more freedom in how you work, but at the same time you have to make all your own choices.
Once an engineer starts a job, he tends to be busy doing what is in front of him, and it is possible that he will somehow move on to the next job.
Always be aware of the direction of your career as an engineer when selecting projects, and acquire skills while working. These are very important points in continuing the work you want in the rapidly changing IT industry.
Before becoming a freelancer, rethinking your career path as an engineer will help you choose a deal.
2. Example route from inexperienced to becoming a freelance engineer
The following is an example of the route from inexperienced to becoming a freelance engineer.
2.1 ① Hone your technical skills
As mentioned above, you have to acquire the technical skills that are indispensable for freelance engineers. You can study by yourself, but let’s study efficiently by actively incorporating programming schools and online learning.
Recently, there are many technical articles and blogs by active engineers. You can also refer to them.
2.2 ② Create a portfolio
A portfolio as an engineer is a “deliverable created by moving your hands”, and you can prove your skills and achievements by showing them.
Create something that shows your ability as an engineer, such as creating web services and applications. Make something better than quantity.
2.3 ③ Change jobs or get a job at a company
In the previous section, he stated that “at least one year of work experience should be gained” as a condition for becoming a freelance engineer from inexperienced.
The form of employment when changing jobs or getting a job does not necessarily have to be a full-time employee. Whether you are dispatched or working part-time, the important thing is how much you can actually move your hands and acquire the skills as an engineer. Learning from senior engineers and experiencing the entire development process in the field will help you to become a freelancer.
2.4 ④ Get a job via a freelance agent
If you decide to become a freelance engineer, first register as a freelance agent and get a job that matches your skills with the conditions you want from a wide range of projects.
Since most of the cases via agents are quasi-delegation contracts, the unit price is fixed on a monthly basis. Unlike contract contracts, there is no obligation to complete the deliverables, so troubles due to contracts will be avoided.
In addition, many agents have various support such as document preparation and tax related, starting with the troubles unique to freelance.
It will be encouraging if you have little experience as a freelancer.
3. 3. Can you aim to become a freelance engineer from inexperienced people no matter how old you are?
If you want to become a freelance engineer from inexperienced work, the difficulty level will change depending on your “age”.
[20s]
First of all, there is no problem.
People in their twenties have the advantage of being “youth”, and it is relatively easy to get a job at a company without any experience and gain practical experience before becoming freelance.
Also, if you are in your early twenties, there are many potential recruitment slots, so it will be even more advantageous.
Even if you have little experience in a company, if you have the skills, you can become a freelancer.
[30’s]
Currently, there is a shortage of IT engineers, so even inexperienced people in their 30’s can aim, but it will be a little difficult.
Most programming schools with employment support require that students be under the age of 30.
Also, when you are in your thirties, you tend to be required to be ready for action, so if you are inexperienced, you need to acquire basic technical skills.
In addition to technical skills, it is also necessary to appeal with human skills such as communication skills.
[40s and beyond]
Difficulty is even higher than in the 30s.
As well as acquiring technical skills, prepare a solid portfolio (web pages, apps, etc.) that can prove your skills.
And one way is to start by accepting orders from small projects using crowdsourcing etc. and steadily accumulating achievements.
Four. summary
Even though they are freelance engineers, there are a wide range of types of engineers and work contents, and there are large differences in compensation and freedom of work styles depending on the person.
A freelance engineer who can aim for heights as much as possible depending on his / her ability can fully aim even if he / she has no experience in IT practice.
First of all, check the points that you lack by referring to this article, and let’s consciously clear them one by one.
