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The world of work has changed. People no longer tend to leave education and go straight into stable, salary-based jobs. Around 15% of college leavers go into a role where they are self-employed or freelance. Yet higher education continues to overlook the need for support and training in this sector. But how can educators change this and create a stable network for self-employment for their learners?
Education on Freelancing
According to a report by ComRes, only 1% of freelancers learn about self-employment in college. Only around 2% have any training about it in university. There are now approximately 9.84 million self-employed people in the United States, a figure that is growing as the country shifts to a gig economy. This is not just in the US either: In the United Kingdom, there has been a 66% increase in the number of people under 30 going freelance since 2008.
This shift in how employment works can provide a wealth of opportunities for those who already have experience in freelancing and self-employment. There is a desire to learn these concepts, from general communications methods to concrete skills like filing taxes and accountancy.
For anyone who already has experience in both education and freelancing, online Doctorate of Education Programs is a fantastic way to demonstrate your skills. Using these courses, you have the option to complete a doctorate in education and leadership in one of four specialized concentrations: Higher Education, Health Care Education, K-12 Leadership, and Organizational Leadership. The course is online, making it extremely easy to fit around other commitments such as work and family.
In the course, you will be involved in studies in educational systems and policy, curriculum development, instructional practices, and applied research to deepen your knowledge of today’s modern educational landscape. This may include studies into freelance education or any other facet of education that interests you.
The Challenges of Self-Employment for Graduates
Should you be an educator looking at the pedagogy involved in teaching freelance employment, then it helps to know the challenges facing graduates. The first is that for those who seek self-employment and freelance occupations, there are barriers. Not only does this involve getting help and support on how to start a business, but also getting support on how to run a successful freelance career.
One of the biggest barriers to this is financial support. Many people need funding in the initial stages, and don’t always know how to get it. This can involve pitching to investors, or for more general or arts-based freelance occupations, aiming for funding through grants. Credit is also an option, but weighing up the pros and cons of this is also something that should be considered from an educational perspective. It is also vital to understand that not all freelance work requires funding at all. Many people can get up to speed with skills and a laptop.
There are many other factors that can impact this, which must be addressed and taught when addressing a freelance educational program. This can include technology and infrastructure. Even the psychology of self-employment is a hurdle, which can involve the constant need to find work and the fear of failure.
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Lastly, simply getting work at the start of a career is one vital skill. Many freelancers fall into the trap of working for free. An estimated 20% say this is standard practice in their industry. However, this is not something advised. Thus, getting those initial clients to get the ball rolling is essential.
Where Are These Skills Most Needed?
The largest group of freelancers still comes from the arts and media sector. However, across the globe, health professionals are the fastest-growing cohort. This provides a very unique opportunity for those who have experience in freelance health education. Support for freelancers and entrepreneurship is often located within business courses alone, yet healthcare is one that should benefit from education in freelance work the most.
It is also important to get away from the concept that self-employment, freelancing, and entrepreneurship have to involve a larger, big idea. This has been exacerbated by television reality shows and social media. However, most freelancers simply provide a valuable service that is in high demand. This is not always something that needs to break the mould.
If you are a freelancer who believes you can teach the skills necessary, you are in a great position. Particularly if you already have a background in education, you are now poised to see your skills in high demand as freelance employment becomes more commonplace. A certificate can give you a visible qualification to demonstrate your expertise. This can lead to more clients and open a wide range of doors. It can work as a full-time job or run alongside your other freelance considerations.
One more thing...
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