With close to 60 million freelance workers in the United States and almost 6 million freelancers in the United Kingdom, it is obvious that we are entering a Freelance economy.
Freelancers are fast becoming the go-to workers for many companies and private employers. The increased use of freelance workers can be mainly attributed to the level of expertise that freelancers have acquired. Now, years of experience and skill are being placed above educational qualifications and certifications.
As a Freelancer, Do You Need a Conventional Educational Certificate?
The short answer to this is NO. But we will take time to go into details. In essence, we will explain why educational qualifications are not of the utmost importance to freelancers.
1. Education Only Provides You with Theoretical Knowledge
Pursuing an education can give you a theoretical knowledge of a subject. However, this knowledge does not translate into a practical skill. In the workforce, employers value practical knowledge and job experience over theoretical knowledge.
This is because a freelancer usually specializes in one particular job. The repetition of a skill allows you to master the job in its entirety. It provides you with expertise that you cannot gain in a classroom.
2. Learning is a Continuous Process
Attending a conventional school provides you with limited knowledge. Everything that you are taught in a college or university is relevant to some extent. However, higher education does not provide continuous teaching even after you graduate.
Today, advancements in technology are progressing and globalization promotes these advancements around the world even faster. One way to keep abreast with the technological advancements that concern your area of expertise is through practice. Practice can help you increase your practical knowledge. This makes freelancers more attractive in the Job market.
3. Conventional Education Provides a Broad Knowledge of a Particular Subject
Undeniably, a higher institution of learning can provide you with a basic understanding of the profession and career that you wish to pursue. The knowledge you will acquire is broad and does not focus on a particular skill subset. This is one main area where the lack of importance of a conventional education in freelancing is emphasized.
Employers who use the services of freelancers tend use freelancers who provide the exact service that the employer needs. An employer that is in need of a food writer may prefer to hire a food writer with experience in the field instead of an individual who has a degree in journalism or communication.
4. Education Does not Prepare You for Variables
The knowledge you acquire in an educational institution gives you an understanding of a subject without considering unforeseen eventualities. Hence, you may have theoretical knowledge but you will not have the skill and technique to tackle unplanned events.
Freelancers who have work experience will have gained knowledge on dealing with unforeseen problems. This is another thing that makes freelancers sought after in the labour market.
All – in – All
Education is important, it provides a foundation and basic knowledge for you to begin your career. However, in the imminent freelance economy, skills have a certain precedence over academic qualifications.
If you do decide that you need an education even as a freelancer, many non-traditional educational facilities exist. Furthermore, vocational training and seminars for professionals can provide you with a platform to hone your skills while acquiring Know-how. These are non-traditional educational institutions that freelancers should take advantage.
Why Don’t You Start Now?
This might be a bitter pill to swallow but that’s the hallmark of an effective antidote. Rather than spending time and resources trying to get a certificate that is quickly becoming a dime a dozen, why not invest in refining your skills?
The good news is that apart from honing your craft, you can make a sizeable income on the side. Thanks to TERAWORK, a platform that connects clients from all over the world to freelancers, it is possible to eat your cake and have it. Learn from copywriters, data analysts and web developers who have embraced the freelance economy and take a cue from them.
Like the Chinese proverb says, the best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago. The second-best time is now! Sign up on Terawork today and become a part of the largest workforce on the globe.