Hey everyone! I've been working as a backend developer for over 5 years at some well-known companies, where I've built some great projects. However, due to corporate restrictions, I can't showcase my work publicly. To build a portfolio, I've been volunteering with NGOs, but I'm now looking to start getting paid projects. I want to reach out to hospitals, banks, or even government organizations to help them with their websites and applications, but I don't have any connections in those sectors. How can I approach them to find such projects? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
4 Answers
Having strong connections is key! I became good friends with a couple of designers who consistently send work my way. They handle the design aspects while I take care of the development.
Starting on platforms like Upwork or Toptal can help you build a portfolio of paid work—it's competitive, but your experience should help. For hospitals, banks, and government work, having connections or going through agencies with existing contracts is usually necessary. Also, having a solid LinkedIn profile can make a big difference; set it to show you’re open to opportunities. Consider developing a small public project or open-source initiative to showcase your skills outside of corporate work.
I totally understand the frustration with corporate restrictions. In my experience, cold outreach doesn’t work well for hospitals and banks because they have complicated procurement processes. Instead, try to get into their vendor networks; many have online portals for registration. You can also look into the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) for smaller government contracts. It may be a bit tedious to register, but once you're in, you'll see more opportunities. Additionally, consider networking with consultants already working with these organizations, as they often need tech partners and can help you get involved.
I checked GeM too, but do you know if they require you to be a registered company to apply, or can individual developers join?
Yes, I would love to get your insights on this. It’s my first time exploring these options!
I could use some insights, too. I’ve been working on a new project that analyzes SaaS metrics, and I realized that my first project, although not perfect, showed potential. Should I go back and improve it? I’ve got tons of ideas!
I tried working with NGOs too, but they usually can’t afford to pay. I feel like I'm stuck in a cycle of only doing free work. Any tips on breaking out of that?