On the Side: Freelancing, Moonlighting, & Side-Hustling in Higher Ed – A Panel

It’s not uncommon for higher ed web professionals to experience a career transition. At some point, we might have a desire or need to earn extra income. Other times, we might just have the ambition to finally tap into our entrepreneurial spirit.

Whether a temporary need or a long-term goal, whether by necessity or for fun, there are opportunities for talented web professionals to make a living outside the boundaries of an institution. We are in the gig economy, after all. This panel-style session will feature folks from various areas (writing, design, strategy, programming) who’ve found success in independent endeavors, as well as agency or school staff members who rely on freelancers for work overflow or when a full-time position isn’t the budget. Panelists will share first-hand experiences and advice on finding work, clients and contracts, managing projects, keeping up with professional development and the community, and other aspects of the solo or on-the-side life.

Joining Donna for this panel discussion are the following solo flyers and side hustlers:

Lisa Catto
Social media coach and trainer at Caledonia Creative (and, by day, associate director of marketing and communications at Western Oregon University)

Rachel Cherry
Freelance software engineer and accessibility consultant; Director, WPCampus

Georgy Cohen
Director of digital strategy, Oho Interactive ( regularly works with freelancers)

Jason Woodward
Consulting programmer for Cornell University; Principal at State & Plain