I have a skillset that I’ve been told is very in-demand (programming, data analytics), but my current job as a programmer doesn’t challenge me enough. I work fully remote and get about 2 hours of busy-work per day, and the rest of the time I’m studying to expand my skillset (web management, social media content curation, digital marketing, data strategy).
I’d like to get hands-on projects for real businesses and do them as pro-bono work, but I don’t know where to find those who may even be interested. My county has a chamber of commerce, but there’s a $1,500 membership fee.
Where else can I look or scream from the rooftops that I am want to do this work for free? Where do you all typically hang out?
I think you should first dive deep to know what is your main field of interest. you have a skillset that covers wide variety of jobs and gigs. you need to be more specialized in order to know what is your niche. even if you applied to do a “free gig” for a company, they will ask you what is your concentration and what is your previous experiences that should ofcourse be relatable. working some part in programming and other in digital marketing will not be relible for a business owner.
I suggest you:
discover your perfect niche
Search for companies and businesses in that niche
Search them for internships and voluntary work (use Linkedin, indeed, …etc)
Wish you all the best