Refers to individuals who work independently (self-employed), offering services to clients on a project-by-project basis. Freelancers are paid for their knowledge or expertise in fields such as writing, graphic design, programming, coding, marketing, social media management, tutoring, consulting, and more. Freelancers often work remotely and communicate with clients through online platforms, email, and phone. Benefits for freelancing include the flexibility to choose work projects and work schedules.

Some higher education institutions are incorporating freelance work into their curriculum, along with increasing their offerings of microcredentials, certificates, digital badges, and other short-term credentials to students' array of options. In this context, freelancing is an additional type of work-based learning (other types are job shadowing, apprenticeships, cooperative education, service learning, internships, and career and technical education). Through freelancing, students can use skills acquired in the classroom (and outside) in the workplace, boost their resumes/portfolios, and make money.

A number of companies (e.g., Podium, Riipen, Parker Dewey, Forage, Handshake) offer digital platforms to make it easier for students and employers to connect to provide projects students can participate in for freelancing (and job simulations, microinternships, and full internships). Examples of freelancing sites for students:

• Fiverr – Clients come to the student seeking students with unique talents
• Upwork – For students with well-developed skills who are looking for serious, longer-term projects
• Freelancer.com – For students seeking to build a portfolio when starting out and needing help to find work

 See: Work-based learning - Work-based Learning | Learn & Work Ecosystem Library (learnworkecosystemlibrary.com)