🧑‍💻 Case Study: How I Consult People About Freelancing Online (As a Developer)

Hey DEV community 👋,

I’m Prasoon, a 16-year-old developer who also spends time consulting people about how they can start freelancing online. While I’m not a freelancer myself, many people ask me:

• “How do I get started with freelancing?”
• “Do I need a certificate or degree to get clients?”
• “What skills should I focus on?”

In this case study, I’ll share how I guide them based on my experience as a developer and consultant.

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🔑 Step 1: Clarifying Misconceptions

Most beginners think freelancing = platform + certificate.
But I explain:

• Freelancing is a business model, not a course.
• Clients pay for skills, not papers.
• The real “certificate” is your portfolio + results.

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⚡ Step 2: Skill First, Certificate Later

In my consultations, I always highlight the power of skills:

• Certificates might help in corporate jobs.
• Freelancing clients only care if you can deliver a working solution.

👉 Example: If you can build a working website, that matters more than showing a web development certificate.

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🌍 Step 3: How I Guide Clients to Start Freelancing

When someone asks me “Where do I start?”, I break it down:

1. Pick one strong skill (coding, writing, design, marketing).
2. Build proof of work – GitHub repos, blogs, demo apps.
3. Create visibility – LinkedIn, Twitter, GitHub, DEV.to.
4. Choose platforms – Fiverr, Upwork, LinkedIn gigs, Contra.
5. Start small – even one or two projects build confidence.
6. Ask for reviews – reputation is currency in freelancing.

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📊 Step 4: Consulting Conversations

Here’s how I usually consult:

• I listen to what the person already knows.
• Suggest high-demand skills they can monetize.
• Help them outline a portfolio strategy.
• Motivate them that they don’t need to wait for a certificate to begin.

Many people hesitate, thinking they aren’t “ready.”
I remind them: You become ready by doing, not by waiting.

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🚀 Real Example

One developer I consulted kept postponing freelancing until they finished a course.
I told them: “Show the projects you’ve already built, even if they’re small.”
They took the advice, polished their GitHub, and soon got a client who needed a similar solution.

No certificate involved. Just skills + proof.

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📝 Key Takeaway

As a developer-consultant, my biggest advice is simple:

👉 Skills bring clients, certificates bring confidence.
👉 If you have to choose, start with skills — certificates can follow later.

Freelancing is about showing what you can do, not what paper you hold.

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💬 What about you? Do you think certificates still matter in freelancing, or is the future 100% skill-based?

👇 Let’s discuss in the comments!

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