How To Get Hands-On Experience and a Portfolio to Prove It

A mentorship program designed to equip freelancers/coders with real-world skills, a supportive community, and projects that build your portfolio.

Are you ready to join a mentorship program that’s not only about building your skills, but also about shaping a community?

The Curie & Co Mentorship Program is here for Fall 2024, and it’s unlike anything you’ve seen…

And no, I’m not just saying that because I’m personally involved in its creation (well, maybe a little…!) but hear me out.

What if you didn’t have to figure out freelancing on your own? What if you had the support of people who’ve already been through the ups and downs, ready to help guide you through that confusing start? That’s exactly what I’m creating with The Freelance Collective, a support network designed for freelancers, especially those dealing with layoffs or just trying to get their foot in the door.

It's a space to share free resources, from skill-building to contract writing and client management.

Curie & Co’s Fall 2024 program kicks off on September 16, 2024 and runs through December 10, 2024. It’s the perfect mix of learning & doing, with enough flexibility to fit around your existing commitments (because I know we are all juggling 1000s of things at once). You’ll spend around 5-10 hours a week, digging into real-world projects in web and app development, getting hands-on experience that you can actually use.

And by the end of the program you’ll have at least one completed project to show off in your portfolio.

You’ll get to explore the ins & outs of the tech and design freelancing world, working closely with experienced professionals. You won’t just be thrown into the deep end with deadlines and stress. Instead, you’ll have a safe space to learn, grow, and, if needed, pivot whenever something doesn’t feel aligned with your long-term goals.

Here’s a little preview of the tools & skills we tend to use most at Curie & Co:

- PHP/MySQL (WordPress)

- Python (Flask/Django)

- Dart (Flutter)

- HTML/CSS

- JavaScript + Frameworks (Angular, React, Vue, Node)

- Blender

- Adobe Suite

But if none of that *sparks joy*, don’t worry. You’re free to dive into any other languages or tools you want to explore, and we’ll help find the resources to support you.

You’ll get a mix of group sessions and 1:1 guidance, with weekly stand-ups inspired by the Agile SCRUM framework. You’ll also get the chance to be acting SCRUM master and sharpen your leadership skills. Plus, you can schedule personal check-ins with me and our other in-house Software Developers and Computer Engineers to make sure you’re on the right track.

But wait—there’s more!

- Freelancing Support: We’ll help you build your presence on freelancing platforms, (Upwork, Contra, Freelancer) connect with potential clients, and set the stage for long-term success.

- Networking Opportunities: Expand your circle with professionals and mentors

- Certificate: Get a certificate for completing the program and any Freelance Collective courses you take.

This program is designed to be the exact thing I wish I had when I started freelancing. I was lucky enough to have strong relationships early on that helped me navigate my early freelancing career, and now, this is my way of paying it forward. It doesn’t matter if you’re an experienced developer stepping into the freelance world for the first time or completely new to coding, I want this experience to give you the tools, support, and confidence to make it.

Here is a *sneak peak* of the course library I’m building out for the Freelance Collective:

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do I apply?

The program for this fall is nearly full, but you can stay updated on when applications for the spring session open by visiting helloitsmia.com or following us on Instagram at @helloitsmia.tech or @curieandco. You can also subscribe to get updates

Can anyone join The Freelance Collective?

Yes! The Freelance Collective welcomes people of all skill levels. However, it’s currently only available to those in the Curie & Co Mentorship Program + alumni. But don’t worry—plans are in motion to open it up to the public soon. Follow along at @helloitsmia.tech or @curieandco, or subscribe here to stay in the loop on access dates.

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About the Author
Hello, my name is Mia! Thank you so much for being here! I am a freelance web and software developer. You can find me on Instagram here, and you can find my digital marketing and web company here.

I write about my journey to tech & digital marketing and share tips and tricks I picked up after working with clients as a freelancer.