Now that you’ve completed the TVL strand in senior high, you have job-ready skills that are in demand in the freelance industry. The question is—how do you take the first step and land your first client?
Key Takeaways:
- Freelancing is booming in the Philippines, with over 1.5 million registered professionals, making the country the world’s sixth-largest freelance market.
- TVL graduates have a competitive advantage because their hands-on training equips them with practical, job-ready skills that are in high demand online.
- A successful freelance career requires strategy—start by building a portfolio and sharpening both soft and technical skills.
Freelancing is one of the fastest-growing career paths in the Philippines. In fact, the country is now the world’s sixth-largest market for freelancers, with over 1.5 million registered professionals. Many of these are young people who started working online right after completing senior high school.
For senior high school graduates, this path is promising since the skills learned in the TVL strands—from digital design to practical trades—are highly in demand today.
But the big question is: how to become a freelancer? Let’s explore how to launch a successful freelance career without any work experience.
Why Becoming a Freelancer is a Good Path for TVL Graduates
The benefits of the TVL track include providing students with career-ready skills that they can apply directly to freelancing opportunities. Instead of waiting for a corporate role, TVL graduates can start earning, build a strong portfolio, and even explore entrepreneurship.
For parents, becoming a freelancer also provides reassurance. It serves as a stepping stone for their child to gain real-world experience, financial independence, and professional confidence immediately after graduation. This makes freelancing not just a source of income but also a practical and rewarding career path.
10 Tips on How to Become a Freelancer with No Experience
Launching your freelance journey is a big step. Here are tips to help you build confidence and credibility:
1. Identify Your Strongest Skills
Look back at the skills you gained in the TVL track. Whether it’s graphic design or programming, list down the services you can confidently offer. Knowing your strengths makes it easier to choose the right projects.
2. Create a Simple Portfolio
Prepare a portfolio by making sample work. Try designing a mock logo, building a practice website, or editing a short video. These samples give potential clients a clear idea of what you can do.
3. Start Small
Big projects and high rates will come later. Begin with smaller tasks so you can build reviews, gain experience, and slowly increase your value over time.
4. Learn How To Market Yourself
Utilize online platforms such as LinkedIn, JobStreet, and Indeed. Post regularly about your skills and projects to showcase your expertise and demonstrate your capabilities. Self-promotion is a big part of becoming a freelancer.
5. Set Clear Goals
Ask yourself: Do you want freelancing to be a side hustle or a long-term career? Setting goals keeps you focused and motivated along the way.
6. Take Online Training
Platforms offering senior high online classes often have additional courses in digital skills. Investing in continuous learning keeps you competitive.
7. Learn Basic Financial Management
Freelancing means handling your own income. Get into the habit of tracking your expenses and setting aside savings so you’re always prepared.
8. Network With Other Freelancers
Join online communities where you can learn from others. Mentorship is invaluable when figuring out how to start a freelance career. Connecting with others can also lead to collaborations or referrals.
9. Develop Soft Skills
Communication, time management, and professionalism matter just as much as technical skills. Clients are more likely to trust and rehire freelancers who are reliable and easy to work with.
10. Stay Patient and Consistent
Building a freelance career doesn’t happen overnight. Keep applying for projects, improving your skills, and expanding your portfolio. Consistency and persistence are what eventually pay off.
Best Career Opportunities for TVL Graduate Freelancers
Freelancing offers TVL graduates flexible and rewarding ways to use their skills. Here are some opportunities if you want to start a freelance career after completing a TVL strand in high school:
Graphic Design
TVL graduates trained in ICT and design can create logos, marketing materials, and social media visuals for small businesses looking to boost their brand.
Web Development
Coding knowledge from the ICT strand opens doors to freelance projects such as building websites and providing technical support.
Content Writing
Strong writing skills can turn into income through blog posts, product descriptions, and copywriting services, making this a solid entry point for TVL graduates.
Virtual Assistance
Virtual assistants support businesses with email management, scheduling, data entry, and research—tasks that are always in demand.
Video Editing
With the rise of TikTok and YouTube, video editors are in high demand for both short-form and long-form projects.
Culinary Services
Culinary and hospitality graduates can explore freelancing by offering food styling, recipe development, or even hosting online cooking tutorials.
Tutoring and Training
Teaching younger students online is a practical way to share what you know while also earning extra income.
IT Support and Troubleshooting
Freelancers are frequently hired to keep business systems stable, resolve technical problems, and offer IT support.
Social Media Management
Freelance social media managers help businesses grow by planning content, running campaigns, and engaging with audiences across different platforms.
Crafts and Product Sales
Hands-on skills from the TVL track can lead to creating crafts or products to sell online, turning creativity into a small e-commerce business.
For more TVL strand job opportunities, students can explore roles both in freelancing and traditional employment.
Kickstart Your Freelance Career Today
Freelancing is booming and creating exciting career opportunities for young professionals in the Philippines. Learning how to become a freelancer may feel overwhelming at first, but by following these steps, you can confidently build your career—even with no experience.
To prepare for this journey, enrolling in OEd Senior High School is a smart move. With flexible learning, you can study anytime and anywhere, allowing you to balance academics and personal responsibilities.
Most importantly, through the TVL strand, you’ll gain job-ready skills and competencies you need to thrive in today’s job market. Contact us today to get started.
FAQs about Launching a Freelance Career
1. How much can a beginner freelancer expect to earn in the Philippines?
Earnings vary depending on the job and platform, but many beginners start at ₱150–₱300 per hour for entry-level tasks. Rates increase as you gain experience.
2. What are the common challenges first-time freelancers face?
New freelancers often deal with irregular income, difficulty landing their first clients, and balancing their time. Building good budgeting habits and staying consistent can help overcome these early struggles.
3. Can freelancing count as work experience when applying for jobs later on?
Yes. Freelancing develops skills in communication, project management, and technical know-how—all of which many employers recognize as valid professional experience.
4. Do I need a bank account to receive freelance payments?
Yes. Most clients send payments through PayPal, Payoneer, GCash, or direct bank transfers, so setting up a reliable payment channel is important.
5. What skills are in the highest demand for freelancers today?
In-demand skills include digital marketing, web development, video editing, content creation, and virtual assistance. Tech-related abilities such as coding and IT support are also highly valued.
