5 Steps to Jumpstart Your Career as a Freelance Cisco Expert

5 Steps to Jumpstart Your Career as a Freelance Cisco Expert
By regionaleducationalinstitute | February 6, 2022

Being a freelancer allows you to experience several benefits so it is a form of employment worth considering today.

For one, you can work wherever and whenever you want. You can complete your projects or job at home, your favorite café, or anywhere you prefer.

You can even work while you’re on vacation, allowing you the chance to earn money as you enjoy your holiday.

As a freelancer, you can also work anytime, which means you can work in the morning or night, or even during staggered hours. However, you have to make sure you complete your to-do list for the day or project within the given timeframe.

Once you are a freelancer, you can choose your jobs or projects and clients. You also become your own boss; you have full control over nearly everything without the need to be micromanaged by a supervisor or manager.

Additionally, as a freelance worker, you won’t need to answer to anyone but yourself and your client.

Additionally, as a freelance worker, you won’t need to answer to anyone but yourself and your client.

If you are in the IT field and want to specialize in Cisco as a freelancer, completing a Cisco Certified Network Associate or CCNA course is the first step you need to take as you embark on your new career journey.

A CCNA certification proves that you have the skills to navigate the ever-changing landscape of IT and manage and optimize the most advanced networks. The course and exam cover networking fundamentals, automation, IP services, programmability, and security fundamentals.

With a CCNA certificate, you can work as a freelance entry-level network engineer, help desk technician, or network administrator or support technician.

Once you have a CCNA certificate and feel confident about your decision to become a freelancer, take these additional steps to start your freelancing career:

1. Choose a platform.

Most first-time and seasoned freelancers use freelancing platforms to find work. These websites allow members to connect with clients looking for workers effortlessly.

Most freelancing platforms also have policies and employment terms that employees and job seekers have to adhere to. Moreover, they offer protection for freelance workers and those doing the hiring.

When choosing a freelancing platform, make sure it suits your needs and salary expectations. Also, ensure you pass the qualifications since some websites may have specific or high standards you may have difficulty meeting.

2. Define your services and offerings clearly.

Turning your skills and qualifications into the services you want to offer is a crucial step to becoming a successful freelancer Cisco specialist.

Start by understanding how your skills and qualifications can help your prospective clients. Think about what problems they have and how you can assist them in resolving their difficulties.

Understanding each client’s situation will help you have a clear picture of how you can package your skills as a service that meets their needs.

You can then come up with a concise description of the service that helps you stand out and get hired.

3. Create your profile.

Updating and polishing your CV is also an important step in starting your freelancing career.

Depending on the platform you choose, you may need to upload your CV or complete a template to provide your information.

Regardless of what the website requires you to do, an updated and polished CV can help you complete the process faster and more efficiently.

When creating your profile or updating your CV, focus on making a substantial profile to let potential clients know about your education, skills, expertise, and experience.

Keep your profile short and sweet. Make sure you list your skills, experiences, noteworthy achievements, and explain clearly why you are the best person for the job.

4. Think about your pricing range.

Certain variables can impact the amount potential clients will be willing to pay you. These include your experience, the project duration and complexity, urgency, and deliverables.

If you have less than twelve months of experience, you cannot charge the same rate as freelancers with years of work under their belt. Your goal should be to set an amount that you are satisfied with without losing out on any potential jobs.

You can also set a realistic price range by looking at your competitors on the platform. Find out what they are charging for similar freelancing services.

Once you turn freelancing into a full-time job, you will get remuneration to cover your monthly expenses, no matter how experienced you are.

Keep in mind that your rates won’t be permanent; you can change them in the future. As such, avoid worrying too much about this part.

5. Learn how to write customized attention-grabbing proposals.

Getting a project on your first try depends a lot on choosing one that closely matches your work experience and capabilities.

When you come across a project you’re confident that you can provide excellent service for, submit a proposal.

A standout proposal should highlight your strongest selling points, including your qualifications and credentials. Additionally, take the time to outline your client’s needs and explain how you can help.

Make sure you maintain a professional and friendly tone as you write your proposal to demonstrate your professionalism, competence, and enthusiasm.

To find continuous success as a freelance Cisco specialist, continue developing your skills and gaining new qualifications.

As a Cisco expert, take other Cisco certifications. You can also broaden your skill set to offer more services. Since you have a background in IT, consider completing an Adobe Photoshop training course. This program can help you in various ways as you advance in your field as a freelancer.

With these steps, you can have a great start as a freelance Cisco expert. You can also find success in the long run.

Speak with our staff to know more about our Cisco certification courses.

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