The Lady Programmer

Did you know that the first known programmer was a lady? You’ve probably heard this listed in many computer books – way before the blogosphere has conquered cyberspace. Ada Lovelace is credited as the first known programmer. In Wikipedia she is accurately described as the first known publisher of a computer program. She had worked with Charles Babbage on the Analytic Engine project. For this Charles even called her the “Enchantress of Numbers” because of her impressive intellectual skills that is rarely found in a titled lady like her.

If you are interested whether the two had romantic interludes: you might be disappointed because there was no recorded fact on whether they had been attracted to each other. Their meetings were all pure work.

By profession, I graduated as an Electronics and Communications Engineer, but my stint with this profession was short-lived. For most of my working life, I was an IT specialist: I was an instructor, programmer, web designer and programmer and now, I do some blogging too.

I have encountered others like me who like to consider changing careers because IT is fast becoming a profession that pays a lot when employed. I also discovered that there are also more jobs in the internet that opens up more possibilities because of some outsourcing sites. Writing and programming are jobs that are usually outsourced for less expensive but quality labor.

I began the IT field by having an inclination in programming. As I was taking up engineering, I noticed that I always got high grades in computer subjects. This had prompted me to pursue professions related to IT.

I took up short term courses to further enhance my skills. After finishing these courses, I got myself employed as an IT instructor for a few years. Then I moved to another company working as a programmer – although I was doing a number of things at a time – web designer, programmer and technician.

Now, I had decided to go on freelance. Although I had applied to various jobs, I had considered the possibility of going freelance instead of getting employed. This is entirely a very different experience indeed because I am relieved from the pressure of going to work and setting strict timetables.

At first, I believed that having a profile to apply to freelance jobs is just simply the same as the resume that I submit to potential employers in a corporate job.

Actually, having an internet profile to show to clients is a whole lot different from what you carry in the resume.

I spent more than a day to spruce up my profile, from my tagline, to the profile.

I am sharing what I did to my own profile:

1. Title/tagline: I selected a phrase that I think would attract potential clients. It is a one-line phrase that will should try to catch the attention of the client’s eye among the hundreds of applicants for the posted job.
2. Overview: I believe it should reflect professionalism. For me, the best overview content that I have seen are those that were written with the customer in mind. Also, stating a personal aim can also attract potential buyers.
3. Skills: Write the skills that are most suited to the category that you plan to work in. I was interested in programming, so I went to write down the skills that are related in programming. Take relevant tests to show your competency.
4. Job Interests: Pick a job interest. Is it web design, programming, writing or administrative job? It should reflect that in your profile and match all the other information written there.
5. Portfolio: This is one of the most important parts of the profile because this showcases all previous or sample work. If possible show links to the sites that will prove your claim.

With a great profile, you are sure to get the attention of buyers and get to the next step – AN INTERVIEW. A comprehensive profile reflects that you are serious in delivering a completed work.

The presence of offshore jobs have really put freelancing practices into global competition. The freelancers from developed countries are to match the skills of those living in the developing country.

Freelancers from developed countries complain of the low priced bids offered by those living in the developing countries. For instance a freelance programmer based in the US can charge more than twice to what freelance programmers based in the Philippines.

The charge is dictated primarily by the cost of living that these countries have. The US programmer has to charge more because the basic needs and expenses are higher than that of the Philippines.

The Filipino programmer, on the other hand, can charge lower rates for a job because of a lower standard of living.

When a job opens at the global offshore job market, the Filipino programmer has an edge over the US programmer – interestingly, both programmers even possess the same skill set.

The client has to decide on which programmer would really be suitable to his time zone.

I believe that a good freelancer sees to it that he or she is:

1. a good negotiator
2. appreciates deadlines
3. beats procrastination
4. has very good communication skills
5. has that entrepreneurial mindset
6. very skilled in what he or she does
7. always continues to hone his or her skills
8. knows his or her limitation
9. adapts easily to change
10. believes in satisfying his clients
11. works not only with one but multiple clients (for most of the time)
12. attempts to draw multiple sources of income
13. learns how to network with other freelancers and clients
14. knows when to party

Admittedly, I am not that ideal freelancer. Procrastination is my strongest enemy. I often work over time too. That is my biggest challenge as a freelancer.

Do you want to add something more to the list?