Tech talent is in high demand—with the demand for gig workers higher than ever. That’s why we’re excited to announce our partnership with Upwork, the world’s largest freelance marketplace. Through this partnership, we’ll connect our highly skilled alumni with a wealth of freelance opportunities in software engineering, data analytics, data science, UX design, and more.
From choosing clients and projects to working from anywhere—freelancing gives workers the ultimate flexibility. It also allows employers to access high-value talent and skills project-by-project.
Why this partnership is ideal for GA alumni
Let’s face it—the makeup of today’s workforce is changing. Businesses need skilled talent to achieve their goals more quickly than ever, and workers crave more flexibility in their roles.
For many of our learners, General Assembly is a launchpad for a career change and a proven path to breaking into tech. During our part-time and full-time bootcamp experiences, learners work on real-world projects to build in-demand tech skills.
Upwork connects GA alumni with freelance projects where they can put these skills to the test—helping them gain confidence, boost their portfolios, and build valuable employer relationships.
This partnership offers GA graduates real opportunities to take control of their careers—and get down to work. As the flexibility of freelance schedules becomes increasingly attractive, GA alumni now have a direct pathway into the tech job market.
Freelancing via Upwork provides:
- Autonomy and control over projects
- Flexibility in managing time and work-life balance
- Financial opportunity, with the potential to command higher rates for specialized skills
In fact, according to Upwork’s research, more than half of Gen Z already embraces full-time freelancing. This reflects a shift in how professionals view work, prioritizing independence and variety over traditional 9-to-5 jobs.
Through the Upwork partnership, GA graduates can:
- Access a wealth of relevant freelance opportunities
- Gain real-world experience in their chosen discipline
- Command higher rates due to their specialized knowledge
Rates for GA freelancers on Upwork start at $20 per hour and can significantly increase with experience, providing a clear path for professionals to boost their earnings as they develop their skills. A Rhode Island based data analyst now earns $130 per hour after completing nearly 100 jobs on the platform. Similarly, one General Assembly trained UX designer has already earned over $200,000 through just 10 Upwork projects.
General Assembly alumni also benefit from exclusive resources, such as alumni networking and freelance career building webinars. As the freelance marketplace matures, this partnership gives our alumni added exposure and promotional tools to thrive in the tech landscape.
How businesses are fueling growth through skilled freelancers
Finding the right tech talent can be challenging for companies across industries—especially as the tools that power business rapidly evolve. With the General Assembly/Upwork partnership, companies can tap into a curated group of experts who’ve undergone rigorous training at one of the world’s leading tech education providers.
In our current dynamic digital landscape, companies are often caught behind the eight ball—scrambling to fill tech roles faster than ever before. GA’s top-tier talent is ready to hit the ground running day one, having been trained in cutting-edge skills and tools—like programming with Python, data analysis with SQL, data visualization with Tableau, and UX design prototyping with Figma (just to name a few).
Through Upwork, businesses can operate efficiently—mindfully filling their immediate gaps without excessive long-term overhead costs. Whether a business is a startup in need of AI expertise or an enterprise looking for a team of data scientists, Upwork’s marketplace makes it easy to search for and connect with GA alumni who have been mentored and trained by established experts currently working on real-world challenges in the field.
Through the General Assembly/Upwork partnership, employers can:
- Access specialized talent: Connect with GA graduates who possess in-demand skills in tech fields like data analytics, data science, software engineering, and UX design.
- Fill skill gaps quickly: Efficiently staff projects with ready-to-work professionals rigorously trained to meet industry standards.
- Enhance project outcomes: Leverage the latest expertise and knowledge from GA alumni to drive successful projects.
- Scale flexibly: Easily adjust their workforce according to project demands, tapping into freelance talent as needed.
- Benefit from proven training: Trust that GA graduates have received quality instruction and practical experience from a leading global tech education provider.
With the soaring demand for tech professionals in recent years, Upwork reports a 70% year-over-year growth in AI and machine learning talent sought after on the platform. This trend shows no signs of slowing down, making this collaboration a timely solution for businesses facing skill gaps.
Furthermore, freelance project hiring enables businesses to “try before they buy,” allowing them to assess a candidate’s skills and fit for their team without the lengthy job ad process or commitment of a full-time hire. A report by Harvard Business Review found that 40% of businesses accessing highly skilled workers through new digital talent platforms said it significantly improved speed to market, boosted productivity, and increased innovation. 90% of business leaders noted that talent platforms would be necessary to their organization’s future success.
Connecting to build career pipelines
Whether you’re a tech professional seeking new opportunities or a business needing specialized skills, General Assembly’s partnership with Upwork offers a world of possibilities. Explore all that General Assembly provides by visiting our site.
Companies can also quickly connect with GA-trained talent through our Experts page on Upwork, making it easier than ever to fill critical roles with skilled tech professionals.