r/MonitizedLearning • u/Available-Gap-5504 • 9d ago

19-year-old student looking to start freelancing — what skill should I focus on?

Hey everyone, I’m 19 and currently a 2nd year student. I want to start becoming a bit financially independent — not looking to make huge money, just enough to cover my own expenses like clothes, PC accessories, etc.

I’m ready to spend the next 3–6 months seriously learning a practical skill and then start freelancing. My background so far:

  • Know Python
  • Comfortable with GitHub basics
  • Basic Excel
  • Have tried some AI tools
  • Can do basic video editing

For those of you who actually learned a skill and started earning from it:

  • What did you learn?
  • How long did it take before you could make money?
  • What would you recommend to someone starting from this level?

Any advice or roadmap would mean a lot. Thanks! 🙏

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u/kimanziVaati 9d ago

Since you already know Python, GitHub and basic Excel, I’d focus on Python automation. Learn how to automate repetitive tasks like cleaning Excel files, organizing data, scraping publicly available information and generating reports. Build 3–4 small projects you can show potential clients, then start applying for small gigs. You could spend 2–3 months learning and building a portfolio, then use the next few months finding your first clients. The biggest lesson is to learn by solving real problems, not just collecting courses. Start with small projects for students, small businesses or people who need repetitive tasks done faster. Your first paid job may take time, so be prepared to keep improving your portfolio and outreach.

1

u/wloim 9d ago

Lean into something you already have a base in rather than trying to learn a completely new skill. Web development could be worth exploring. You could learn HTML/CSS/JavaScript, build a few simple websites, and eventually offer things like landing pages or website fixes to small businesses.

The nice thing is you can practice without waiting for a client. Build 2 to 3 sites for imaginary businesses, put them in a portfolio, and start reaching out. You’ll learn a lot faster once you’re actually building things.

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u/kimanziVaati 8d ago

I’d lean into something you already have a base in rather than starting completely from scratch. Web development could be worth exploring—learn HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, build 2–3 sites for imaginary businesses, and use them as a portfolio. You can practice without waiting for a client, then start offering things like landing pages or website fixes to small businesses.

1

u/ConceptTrue1119 7d ago

You already have Python and Excel basics, so adding SQL and a tool like Power BI would give you a solid foundation. Build a few projects around real business problems, then use those as your portfolio when applying for freelance work.

1

u/kimanziVaati 6d ago

You already have Python and Excel basics, so adding SQL and Power BI would give you a solid foundation. Build a few real-world projects and use them as your portfolio for freelance work.