I am currently a full time student studying engineering (Civil) at the University of Manitoba…but, I am also a freelance web developer. And in my experience, I’ve discovered the following pros and cons of leading this interesting double-life.
There are several great reasons why being a web developer while at school is great:
The tips/techniques you learn and contacts you’ll make during your time as a freelancer can help you land a better job (in your chosen profession) than you might otherwise. Assuming you don’t get the freelance bug and start your own business, that is.
As a student freelancer you’ll learn a little about how to run a business minus many of the hassles full-time self-employment carry. (Assuming you’re not an adult student, you shouldn’t be worrying about a mortgage or paying for your kid’s braces).
You’ll have the opportunity to learn how to make a sale, interact and network with people, market yourself and how to carry yourself in a business setting.
As a student you’ll be able fall on your face (which you will do a lot!) without the huge impact a lost sale or job might otherwise have if you were depending on it to feed your family.
You also have the advantage of working as much as you want, on a schedule that’s convenient for you and accommodates your school assignments (A regular student full/part-time job would never allow for such flexibility).
Of course there are some disadvantages:
People expect you to work as a professional but pay you as a student (or try to get all the work done for free!).
The opposite opinion of your professionalism may be displayed if and when you mess up. The common courtesies shown to other business people tend to disappear in stressful times, and you’re likely to be reminded of your inexperience.
There’s also a tendency for clients not to pay on time. This may happen to professional designers/developers too, but as students don’t have the same focus on or support in accounts receivable, it can compound the issue.
All in all, the advantages by far outweigh the disadvantages and I encourage everyone to give freelance a try. It costs you next to nothing (except your time) and even if you don’t win many jobs you’ll gain a great deal of experience.