Do you think having a degree increases sales for freelancers?

MasterA Level 1

June 16, 2016, 6:29 pm

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Do you think having a degree increases sales for freelancers?

If a web developer told me that they are a computer science graduate, then it is definitely a plus when choosing between multiple developers. Some people may favour freelancer who has a degree or professional qualification in their area. Do you think Freelancers needs a degree?

Most of the time, when someone hires a freelancer, they will probably only ask for samples of work and won’t mention about their qualifications. However, if someone has a degree and the sample of work is good, then they will probably attract more customers. Do you think having a degree increases sales for freelancers?

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robertman11

robertman11

No. If I could just submit the word "no" without there being a word limit imposed on me, I would.

9 years ago

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MasterA

MasterA

I am not saying that people who have a degree is smarter than people who don’t have one. My idea is that, if you see a seller with a degree in the services they are offering, doesn’t it may them more favourable compare to others who don’t? There are some fair points raised here though. Most buyers don’t even ask about education and freelancers don’t always disclose that type of information too. However, for those that disclose this information, does it make any difference for sales? As a buyer, I personally think that the service is better value for money if I know I am getting the service from a professional with a degree.

9 years ago

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Beverly

Beverly

In a way, the buyer becomes your (temporary) employer and you have to impress that person if you want to get hired. And, if having a degree or title/certificate would get you hired instead of your competition, then you should go for it.

9 years ago

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Everett

Everett

I won't necessarily hire someone with a diploma, lets say in the field of programming. Programming languages are constantly changing. If you hired someone that graduated college and got their BA in CS, IT, or any other computer based course, that information would be outdated due to the ever changing technology.

So, with that being said, a lot of the times people may try to grab your attention by shoving their diploma in your face, and say hire me! But what they fail to mention is that 70% of the education they learned is already forgotten. So with a diploma, or without one, just because you have a piece of paper with your name on it, and a signature of some official doesn't necessarily mean you know more about the area than someone else.

As RB11 mentioned, people without diplomas can be as successful or more successful than those with diplomas. Because one may not have a diploma, they'll most likely spend a lot of time researching topics about what they do in freelancing, and thus giving them more knowledge than the average college grad.

8 years ago

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anwebservices

anwebservices

I am not really sure if having degree would increase sales generally. Some people probably will be looking for freelancer with degree, but from my experience most of customers looking more for portfolios, customer reviews and work experience. Having degree is very good fundamentals of freelancing, but experience is more essential. Also you may have 5 - 10 years old degree, but freelancing trends are moving so fast that you have to learn all the time, so again it comes to experience and general knowledge...

Just my two cents...

9 years ago

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hitmeasap

hitmeasap

Short answer is yes, with high probability. With that being said, it would obviously depend on what you provide. If you offer twitter followers, well, no. You won't get more sales for having a degree. However, if you offer coaching services, where you literally become someone's teacher and you're guiding them all the way until they reach the success you've agreed on. Then yes. I do believe that you would be hired more with a degree rather than without one as this would most likely act as a sign of you being legit, honest and trustworthy. This will also state that you're dependable and that you are a true expert in this specific field and not just someone who claims to be one. I know I would prefer to hire a coach with a degree in what he will be teaching me rather than some self-claimed expert. With that being said, there's nothing that says that the "true expert with a degree" would be a better option compared to the other guy.. But one would probably think so at first sight.

Best Regards,
hitmeasap

9 years ago

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ajlancer

ajlancer

Hi I think getting any degree for any individual related subject it may increase knowledge as to be freelancer as like your example computer engineering. It should be help to increase knowledge about computer or other program but as freelancer I think you should have different knowledge and skill. I do not know a categorical basis anywhere has chance to get degree as freelancer? for example If I want to get degree on SEO, is it possible anywhere? I do not think so. I think we need to increase individual skill by learning several things and freelancing really more like personal development carrier as kennchronic said.

So, I think degree does not importance to start a career of freelancer. Yes it may help behind not in front as you say freelancer. And increasing sale is other matter.

Thanks by Ajlancer

9 years ago

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EliteWriter

EliteWriter

It may make one feel more qualified and important, but at the end of the day I do not think that it really makes much of a difference. As ken mentioned above freelancing is more about self learning, and acquiring knowledge as you go along. In all honesty I actually have a degree, yet I practically never mentioned it to my clients because at the end of the day I do not feel that it is that important. Besides anyone can say he has a degree and never bother to substantiate it considering that everything is carried out online.

9 years ago

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Lynne

Lynne

No. I have seen plenty of so called educated people in various different professions that have degrees yet they seem to know nothing.

In a lot of ways someone that has taught themselves and has practical experience is a lot more capable.

8 years ago

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EliteWriter

EliteWriter

Yes I do agree with you. Qualifications do not make someone better than one who does not have them. I know people who were excellent students and graduated with flying colors, and yet when it came to the point that they needed to get into the job market they were not able to do well at all, and even ended up leaving the job that they had originally studied for. Then there were others who conducted a shorter and less demanding course and they landed a much higher paying job. Experience and motivation are much more important than qualifications without doubt.

8 years ago

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Lynne

Lynne

Exactly how I feel. I judge someone on their experience. If I can see work they have done and they have great references that is plenty good enough for me.

8 years ago

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vinaya

vinaya

Degree definitely helps. However, a degree is not the basic requirement. What actually matters is a skill. I am a writer writing in English. When someone asks me to show my degree in English, I cannot show him my certificates because I did not study English in College and University. I can only show him my portfolio that includes two books and over 1000 articles on newspapers and various websites. I think experience and skills matter more than the degree.

7 years ago

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augusta

augusta

It good to attend college to improve upon your educational standard, one gets to learn new things and be exposed to information that can build one up but when it comes to sales or freelancing I think one's talent or skills work better.Since I started this freelancing job nobody has ever asked for my qualification.Look at post loop without a good rating nothing for you even if one is a professor.

7 years ago

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vinaya

vinaya

I write in English as a second language. It is difficult to gain trust from the buyers if you are not a native. However, having a degree in writing has helped me generates sales for my writing gigs. I have attended courses on SEO, digital marketing and web designing. Certificates from these courses have helped me generate sales.

7 years ago

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Corzhens

Corzhens

I work for a big company and I had the experience of interviewing applicants for the IT positions. Since all the applicants have a college degree, I am used to their attitude and mentality aside from the knowledge that they got from the university. Compared to others who have no degree, I’d say there is a big difference. But when it comes to sales, I have to disagree that a degree matters. It is always the marketing skills that will dominate the performance and the degree has nothing to do with that.

7 years ago

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