The Summer I became a freelancer and What I learned

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Carleton chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

This summer, I stepped into the world of freelance journalism for the first time—and it was equal parts exhilarating and terrifying. One of my many childhood dreams (I had far too many) had finally come true. However, freelancing quickly taught me that chasing dreams also means confronting reality.

1. Networking is everything

My immigrant dad always stressed the importance of putting myself out there, especially in a new country. At first, I thought it sounded superficial. But I soon realized that building genuine connections opens doors, teaches lessons, and can be a lifeline in a new field. That doesn’t mean you need to be friends with everyone in your industry, but it does mean spending the most time with those you can relate to and feel comfortable around.

2. Time management is survival

Without a fixed 9-to-5, every deadline feels personal. I had to juggle assignments, interviews, and revisions while maintaining my personal life. I’ll never forget getting an F in my second-semester Fundamentals of Reporting class for submitting an assignment one minute late. That moment taught me that in journalism, deadlines aren’t just rules—they’re sacred.

3. Adaptability is a superpower

Stories rarely go as planned: sources cancel, events are postponed, and angles shift. I learned to pivot quickly, think on my feet, and still produce strong content under pressure. I always start stories well in advance, so there’s room to adjust, no matter what unexpected obstacles appear.

4. Every story is a lesson in empathy

I’ve always been naturally empathic, but in high school, I used it as a strength by writing for the school newspaper. Carefully anonymized journal entries became essays exploring friends’ experiences. This taught me that empathy isn’t just a trait—it’s a bridge connecting you to different people, perspectives, and communities.

5. Your voice is your brand

Freelancing taught me that clarity, style, and authenticity matter. Editors notice consistency, but readers remember how your writing makes them feel. This summer, I honed my voice by highlighting stories from my community and underrepresented groups. Even if I don’t plan to be a journalist forever, these lessons have shaped my storytelling instincts in ways I’ll carry forward for years.

Freelancing wasn’t just a summer job—it was a crash course in life, career, and self-discovery. It taught me that success isn’t just about talent or luck—it’s about resilience, connection, and showing up, even when it’s hard.