Freelance Designer / IT Consultant

Jaymo

Hi Guys,

I am currently working full time between 1-8pm Monday - Friday in a job that isn't anything to do with my qualifications & skills.

I have a degree in Digital Media Production, a CertHE in Computer Science, BTEC Nat Dip in Software Engineering & Networking and I am also CISCO certified and qualified in Microsoft Packages. So my talents range from 3D Modelling & Graphics to Building a computer.

My current dilema is that I really, really want to go into working for myself as a freelance design & IT consultant but I don't have the funds to start off full time so need to be able to do it in hours around my job. I also haven't a clue in if I would need to register self-employed or what would be my first point of call. I am really looking for some advice on this guys as I need to do something that I have a passion and skillset in before I go crazy. :think:

Witchfinder_General

Jaymo wrote: »

I have a degree in Digital Media Production, a CertHE in Computer Science, BTEC Nat Dip in Software Engineering & Networking and I am also CISCO certified and qualified in Microsoft Packages. So my talents range from 3D Modelling & Graphics to Building a computer.

Forgetting the DMP for a second (which is about as much use as an ashtray on a motorbike). What Cisco qualification do you have?

More importantly, what Networking or practical computer support experience do you have?

James_saver34

Witchfinder_General wrote: »

Forgetting the DMP for a second (which is about as much use as an ashtray on a motorbike). What Cisco qualification do you have?

More importantly, what Networking or practical computer support experience do you have?

I wouldn't say DMP is that useless!

Jaymo

Witchfinder_General wrote: »

Forgetting the DMP for a second (which is about as much use as an ashtray on a motorbike). What Cisco qualification do you have?

More importantly, what Networking or practical computer support experience do you have?

If you think DMP is useless I honestly think you don't understand what the course covers.

I have CCNA 1,2,3,4 with CISCO

Witchfinder_General

Jaymo wrote: »

If you think DMP is useless I honestly think you don't understand what the course covers.

I have CCNA 1,2,3,4 with CISCO

So you have a job in Digital Media? Thought not.

The CCNA is a good one to have under your belt. Lots of Networks out there with Cisco 3750's, and 6509's (as the core).

Do you have any Nortel Passport (8, 6 or 4k), Meridian quals?

And you didn't answer the most important question. What NOC or Desktop support experience do you have?

Jaymo

Witchfinder_General wrote: »

So you have a job in Digital Media? Thought not.

The CCNA is a good one to have under your belt. Lots of Networks out there with Cisco 3750's, and 6509's (as the core).

Do you have any Nortel Passport (8, 6 or 4k), Meridian quals?

And you didn't answer the most important question. What NOC or Desktop support experience do you have?

No Nortel or Meridian. Got a lot of experience in 1st,2nd and 3rd lind desktop support as well as hardware repaires and graphic design.

Witchfinder_General

Jaymo wrote: »

No Nortel or Meridian. Got a lot of experience in 1st,2nd and 3rd lind desktop support as well as hardware repaires and graphic design.

1 - 3rd Line is just what IBM are currently looking for at LITS, Warwick.
You could research them, apply, do 12 months as a shiftie and save money towards your dream of consultancy.

With regards to your hardware repairs. Is this at component level or just swapping out 1 for 1 ?

MikeyMacbeth

Jaymo wrote: »

Hi Guys,

My current dilema is that I really, really want to go into working for myself as a freelance design & IT consultant but I don't have the funds to start off full time so need to be able to do it in hours around my job. I also haven't a clue in if I would need to register self-employed or what would be my first point of call. I am really looking for some advice on this guys as I need to do something that I have a passion and skillset in before I go crazy. :think:

I wouldn't have thought you'd need that much in funds to start with unless you need to buy some kit? - you should be able to do web dev work anyway for very little in the way of outlay. Bang up a quick basic contact and about me website and off you go...

Yes. You will need to register as self-employed with HMRC - word of caution - check you contract with your existing employer that they allow out of hours work and that there is not going to be any conflict of interest.

Good luck with it!

Froggitt

I think there are two different business there......a general PC/Network support technician for small business or home users, and some kind of digital designer. Start advertising both locally under two different company names/banners, and when they want appointments, say "sorry afternoon is booked on that day, how about 9am!!!"

Jaymo

Witchfinder_General wrote: »

1 - 3rd Line is just what IBM are currently looking for at LITS, Warwick.
You could research them, apply, do 12 months as a shiftie and save money towards your dream of consultancy.

With regards to your hardware repairs. Is this at component level or just swapping out 1 for 1 ?

I have been trying to find links for LITS but no luck so far.