University student seeking advice for earning money by self.

[mh.mxn]

Assalam o Alaikum everyone, I've lurked around a lot on this sub and I have been consistently returning to this sub whenever I would need help related to tech or anything related to Pakistan's tech market honestly. But I need some advice and help so I figured it's time I finally create an account myself. I'm a 19 year old CS major in FCCU Lahore (Yes, it's not the best university for CS, I know, but it doesn't matter as CS is mostly self-taught) and I'll be starting my third semester soon.

I'll try to keep this as short as possible, my sophomore year in university is about to begin and with the current condition of our country's economy, our university just increased our fees by 50K. I have an older brother and a younger sister (who'll be starting her university this fall as well) so it's really not easy for my parents to support my education. Especially since my education is the most expensive out of all three. We can manage for now Alhamdulillah but my father will retire soon and we'll be living on his pensions and our agricultural yield, and I'm sure Allah will pave a path for me as He always has, but I've been thinking about trying to earn some money by myself on the sideline to support my education.

I can do content writing and I wouldn't hesitate to do it if it pays well. But I need your advice on how I can effectively turn whatever CS and Programming knowledge I know so far into something that can earn me money. I don't have much expectations really, and I'm more than willing to learn new things related to my major. So far I only know Python (and a few libraries, but I can just explore different libraries through youtube videos and learn how to use them with a bit of practice), html, some css, and JavaScript (I'm trying to self-teach JavaScript by convering the basic python programs I made by myself in the first year into Js programs for now, I'll explore advanced Js later).

I need guidance and advice if I should turn towards free-lancing after learning a bit more of web dev and building a small portfolio, or if I should turn towards other streams related to programming and coding (I like coding, and I think I'm good at coding and problem solving)

So,

1. Should I continue my introductory level course on web development?
2. Should I create a portfolio on fiverr and linkedIn?
3. Where should I even begin?

 

[sladis]

There are a number of part time jobs you can do in the IT Services industry... Remote cashiering with Percy and the like... If you wanna do programming related jobs, probably best to join a small group of seniors or someone who has a small dev house...

 

[mh.mxn]

There are a number of part time jobs you can do in the IT Services industry... Remote cashiering with Percy and the like... If you wanna do programming related jobs, probably best to join a small group of seniors or someone who has a small dev house...

I'll definitely look around in the university as well, I've got a few connections through which I could try for an internship or a part time job, that's my priority. Don't know how I forgot to mention that in the main thread. Anyway yeah that's what I'm hoping for, but just in case i figure it would be nice to have a few other options which I could be sure about on how and where to begin

 

[EternalBlizzard]

Try to put up gigs on fiver for content writing and solving math or similar problems you are studying currently if you are good at them. Also try starting a youtube channel. It's going to take 6 to 12 months to get it started but when it does you'll have a passive source of income. The key thing is to keep uploading lots of videos even if you don't get any views. It can be related to anything. Game streams if you are into it, if you are working on projects you can upload videos on those.

Later on when you have sufficient projects for a portfolio, you can look for proper freelance work on upwork or get hired in a company. My friends were doing jobs in software houses in their 2nd/3rd years. You really need to get some connections going on for that though. Don't expect a call if you are following the normal procedure. Also note that freelancing is a hit or miss for people. I've met people that got really successful through it and I've met dozens other that say upwork/fiverr didn't work out for them even though they had proper experience.

 

[mh.mxn]

Try to put up gigs on fiver for content writing and solving math or similar problems you are studying currently if you are good at them. Also try starting a youtube channel. It's going to take 6 to 12 months to get it started but when it does you'll have a passive source of income. The key thing is to keep uploading lots of videos even if you don't get any views. It can be related to anything. Game streams if you are into it, if you are working on projects you can upload videos on those.

Later on when you have sufficient projects for a portfolio, you can look for proper freelance work on upwork or get hired in a company. My friends were doing jobs in software houses in their 2nd/3rd years. You really need to get some connections going on for that though. Don't expect a call if you are following the normal procedure. Also note that freelancing is a hit or miss for people. I've met people that got really successful through it and I've met dozens other that say upwork/fiverr didn't work out for them even though they had proper experience.

Sounds good, I could try creating videos related to my projects in my free time and maybe expand to messing around with Python and programs and post them on YT. Really need to work on networking in uni and outside though, I have a cousin in the industry who discussed the proposition of internships and part-time work with me as well starting next year. Thank you!

 

[EternalBlizzard]

Sounds good, I could try creating videos related to my projects in my free time and maybe expand to messing around with Python and programs and post them on YT. Really need to work on networking in uni and outside though, I have a cousin in the industry who discussed the proposition of internships and part-time work with me as well starting next year. Thank you!

No worries. One advice I'd like to give is try to figure out your major or specialized area right from the start so you can orient your personal projects towards that. For e.g, if you are interested in game development you will create more projects related to games and show experience with Unity3D, Unreal etc. If you are interested in AI, then you will have more projects depicting AI algorithms and techniques.

But keep in mind that premature selection of a major is a bad idea. You should explore all these sub fields in your free time as quickly as possible and narrow your interests to atleast 2-3 areas. Then start working on their projects. As an example, I decided on the Computer Graphics area in my late 3rd semester and I had already done projects related to Image processing in my 2nd semester which practically led me to the general area of CG. I had already dabbled with game engines in college so didn't need to touch that. Never really tried AI as it was emerging back then and I never really have till now. Switching areas takes too much time to build up a portfolio again

 

[EternalBlizzard]

Lastly never blindly expect that following these advices will always lead you to the same results. Don't think lfie's gonna work out just like you planned. As an example, even after doing all the above I'm currently jobless and aiming to open up a small restaurant now cuz Abuses will lead to ban 9 to 5 and Abuses will lead to ban jobs and Abuses will lead to ban being an employee sucking to your boss

So never be sad, and never be ungrateful. Whatever happens, happens. It's all from Allah SWT.

 

[sunny945]

1) Make Fiver account.
2) Lookout for current trends in the work and try to realize in which field you can work.
3) Try to learn those skills which are required by most of the employers.
4) In start, just try to gain more and more work for the sake of learning. Once you establish yourself, you can earn handsome amount of money.
You can also make upwork and freelancer account but fiver is recommended for a starter. You can start Youtube Channel or make yourself a Website etc but you better do programming work as this way you can learn something aswell.

 

[mh.mxn]

Lastly never blindly expect that following these advices will always lead you to the same results. Don't think lfie's gonna work out just like you planned. As an example, even after doing all the above I'm currently jobless and aiming to open up a small restaurant now cuz Abuses will lead to ban 9 to 5 and Abuses will lead to ban jobs and Abuses will lead to ban being an employee sucking to your boss

So never be sad, and never be ungrateful. Whatever happens, happens. It's all from Allah SWT.

Yeah Of course haha, I hope things work out for you InShaAllah. I just wanted someone to point me in a direction I could start from. I really appreciate your input

 

[Morralepien]

It's great to see your determination to support your education and family. Your background in CS and programming skills can open doors to various opportunities for earning money on the side.
Continuing your introductory web development course is an excellent idea. Expanding your knowledge in this area can lead to freelance opportunities and other avenues.
Creating a portfolio on platforms like Fiverr and LinkedIn is a smart move. It allows potential clients to see your skills and experience. Highlight your strengths, projects you've worked on, and any certifications you've earned.
If you're interested in exploring job opportunities, you can also check out online sarkari job resources. It might provide you with additional options and insights.