How can I get a side gig or project while still learning frontend development?
Thanks to people that have answered my question in the past. I’ve tried platforms like Upwork and Fiverr and I see that you’ll need to have few reviews before you get hired. I and some other criteria too. This has been a very difficult one and I would so much appreciate probably if I could get someone to mentor me and put me through this phase.
4 answers
Amar’s Answer
African continent has several awesome startups and companies that are providing abundant regional opportunities.
https://startuplist.africa
For your freelance or side-hustle gigs, please:
* Prepare your portfolio in a presentable form. For example - www.Behance.com.
* Contact local companies and inquire if they can use remote resources like yourself for part-time gigs.
* Find and attend local professional meetup forums, whether in-person or remotely. For example, use https://www.meetup.com.
* Join regional and international freelance platforms and provide specific response to the resource requests, instead of canned responses.
Feel free to reach out to me for follow up questions.
Regards
Amar Verma
Sahida’s Answer
Build a Portfolio: Create a portfolio showcasing your frontend development skills. Include projects you've worked on, even if they are personal projects or practice exercises. Having a portfolio demonstrates your capabilities to potential clients or employers.
Contribute to Open Source Projects: Join open-source projects related to frontend development on platforms like GitHub. Contributing to these projects not only helps you learn but also allows you to showcase your skills and collaborate with other developers.
Network: Attend local meetups, conferences, or online communities related to frontend development. Networking can help you connect with potential mentors, collaborators, or even clients who may have side gigs or projects for you to work on.
Freelance Platforms: While you mentioned you've tried platforms like Upwork and Fiverr, don't give up on them just yet. Build your profile, focus on creating a compelling bio, and showcase your portfolio. Start with smaller projects to build your reputation and gather reviews.
Social Media and Online Presence: Utilize social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, or even Reddit to connect with professionals in the frontend development community. Share your projects, ask for feedback, and express your interest in finding side gigs or projects. You might come across opportunities through these channels.
Seek Mentorship: Look for mentorship opportunities either through formal mentorship programs, online communities, or by reaching out to experienced developers directly. A mentor can provide guidance, advice, and possibly even connect you with opportunities.
Stay Persistent and Patient: Landing your first side gig or project may take time and persistence. Keep applying, networking, and improving your skills. Be patient and don't get discouraged by rejections.
Remember, it's important to keep learning and improving your skills while actively seeking opportunities. With dedication and perseverance, you'll eventually find the right side gig or project to kickstart your frontend development career.
Samuel’s Answer
Consider connecting with Tech Jobs that offer Campus Recruiting roles. Explore if they have internships within their company. This could provide you with the opportunity to enhance your front end development skills, while keeping you engaged and updated.
Additionally, don't forget to visit angellist.com. It's a fantastic platform for start-ups and angel companies that are looking for short-term contractors or part-time employees to help them grow. It's a great place to find exciting roles that could fit perfectly with your schedule and skill set.
Samuel recommends the following next steps: