Certificate in Freelance Writing (2024)

FAQs

Are writing certificates worth it? ›

Just like a traditional degree, a writing certificate's worth can be measured by its impact on the student and their career. This credential can highlight your superior writing skills to potential employers as well as your willingness to put in the time and effort to master those skills.

A common question many aspiring writers ask themselves is “do you need a degree to be a freelance writer?” The short answer is no, but that doesn't mean there aren't things you can do, and skills you can hone, to improve your chances of success in this exciting freelance career.

As long as you have a good command of whatever language you're writing in, are ready to learn about new topics, and are motivated to reach out to clients, all you need is a laptop and an internet connection. However, if you're looking for entry-level freelancing writing jobs, one other thing you need is resilience.

Certificates Can Help Make Up for a Lack of Experience

In some cases, adding a professional certificate could make up for a lack of real-life experience. “In the eyes of a hiring manager, they want someone who can jump right in, add value right away, and become a long-term employee,” Feldman says.

Many people find that their college degree isn't exactly enough to make them stand out in a competitive job market. Adding a certificate to your resume is a great way to make you stand out and instantly add to your skill base, thus making you more employable.

“I tell newbies to start with what they already read,” says freelance writer Carol J. Alexander. “If I had no experience, I'd start with local, small business, family, or friends. Just get some clips, build your portfolio, and work up from there.”

Many freelance writers manage to make a good living writing for institutions, publications, and brands, and earn upwards of six figures per year. This step-by-step guide will help you get started as a successful freelance writer with a steady income and a flexible career.

Freelancing can be a tough job in many ways. Freelancing is not a ticket to an easy life. It comes with perks, but it also has pitfalls. Some people can handle these well, while some can not.

What is the highest paying freelance skill? ›

It is possible to earn decent money writing quality content. Even in the age of AI. I now write for a handful of clients and earn $1,000 or more per month, all while living a busy life and holding a “regular” day job.

Certifications can certainly give you an edge over your competition and also result in the ability to negotiate a higher salary, said Runa Knapp, co-founder and chief business development officer at FoundHer.

For example, Pena said that a degree, by design, is “a much more expansive educational experience.” In contrast, a certificate is “more targeted and more specific to a particular domain or field of expertise.” It is essential to know that certificates and degrees can supplement your career.

The main difference lies in the depth and duration of the program. Certificates are short-term and focused on specific skills; diplomas are typically longer and more comprehensive, while degrees are the most extensive, offering a well-rounded education.

Plan how far you want to advance in your career

Whether you pursue a certificate or a degree might depend on your education and career goals. A degree can often provide you with more opportunities and higher salaries than a certificate.