Professionals with computer science skills are in demand these days. Such demand creates a variety of career options: graduates of computer science can hone their artistic side as video game designers, fiddle with smart machines as robotics technicians, or protect valuable data as cybersecurity specialists. Not only are these fields interesting, but they’re also extremely lucrative.
However, if the 9 to 5 isn’t your style, you can also find personal and financial freedom through freelance work. With the gig economy on the rise, more workers are choosing freelance work over employment. Experts even estimate that about 25% of the workforce, or 60 million workers, participate in freelance work. Such numbers can be attributed to the flexibility freelancing, particularly in the computer science field, offers: freelance workers aren’t limited to a 40 hour work week, and also have the freedom to choose tech projects that interest them.
The demand for computer science expertise also leads to a demand for computer science freelancers. These roles can be filled by anyone with the right amount of skill, be they a student or a graduate. Here are the best freelance jobs for computer science graduates.
Web Developer
Given the world’s increasing reliance on the internet, many businesses need to build an online presence to attract new customers. Naturally, there’s a consistently high demand for professionals with skills in web development. Students with a passion for design and proficiency in languages like HTML, CSS, PHP, and JavaScript can work with startups and businesses to create responsive websites that suit the demands of modern users.
Software Developer
Just like websites, the demand for software stems from a growing dependence on digital technology. Many companies are looking for ways to use tech to support their business. As a freelance software developer, you’ll find yourself working on a lot of short-term projects. The opportunity to work with a variety of different clients can give you the chance to really flex your creativity. Just take note that you might end up having to work long hours to finish projects before deadlines — it’s not a job for people who have to balance work with other demanding obligations, like school.
Tutor
One job that synergizes well with student life is tutoring. As a tutor, you can take what you’ve learned and help peers or underclassmen that might have difficulty grasping complex subjects. Tutoring one-on-one, especially among peers, can make the material less intimidating for some students. Quality tutoring might even motivate students to become more active and engaged in the classroom. Additionally, by teaching others, you are also forced to engage with topics on a deeper level, which consequently strengthens your understanding.
Technical Writer
If you have a strong grasp of language and can explain complex concepts simply, you can try your hand at technical writing. Technical writing is the practice of using written language to create directions, instructions, or explanations for products or processes. In the field of computer science, technical writers might be tasked to explain the functions of certain codes, describe software, or create user manuals. Just like with tutoring, using technical writing to translate information in a way that’s easy to understand forces you to engage with subjects on a deeper level, which gives you a stronger grasp of the topic.
In a world that’s becoming increasingly digitized, it’s those that understand the language of computers that thrive. Computer science majors are spoiled for choice when it comes to career options: freelance and employment opportunities continue to remain abundant.