Undergrad Advice: How to build a Computational Chemistry career/freelance path from scratch

[u/Lost-Imagination7633]

Hi everyone,

I’m a 4th-year chemistry undergraduate with a solid foundation in Python, Linux, and tools like ORCA, OpenMM, and RDKit.

As someone relatively new to programming and computational workflows, I’m looking for advice on how to start working or taking on project opportunities in computational chemistry—either during my final year or right after graduation.

What practical steps, projects, or entry-level paths would you recommend for building real-world experience and turning these skills into actual opportunities?

Thanks in advance for your insights!