Becoming an Independent Contractor

I have an ITIN, however, I am not self-employed.

I would like to know if there are any people here who use their ITIN for actual self-employement, and if yes, what do you do. I want to find out how I can become an independent contractor, and what skills I need, and where I can learn those skills.

I am in college, however, I am well aware that once I graduate I will not be able to get a job. Actually, I can't even apply for internships right now. I want to some type of technical course or what not that will prepare to become a contractor. Please give any suggestions.

Thank you.

Its good that you're thinking about your future. I know we can't get any jobs but I don't think you should give up just yet. I don't know if you're thinking about it but don't give up on college just to start some technical program. What do you study? You never know. You might be able to get a job in your field through connections.

What's your major? If you are in a technology field, you should have an easier time finding contract positions.

Since you are still in school, I'd recommend that you take some programming and database courses regardless what your current major is. Unless you are at a top-tier school, Programming courses on Java, basic intro courses on Databases and courses on Systems Analysis should be fairly easy. It's not impossible (even if you are a history major). You'd be surprised how many jobs are out there if you have the basic high-tech know how.

My major is Electrical Eng. If I do decide to get into programming, can you give me any exact courses I should take? And where do I find such contract jobs or get the experience? Can you give me any exact guidance? Thanks for your help.

I don't really know much about independent contracts, but I would suggest that you start expanding your network soon. Talk to your professors a lot, join clubs related to your major and volunteer to different organizations off campus, since you never know someone you meet out there might need your help or they might recommend you to someone, that will offer you a contract.

I am doing something similar, and I am still in college. I study Computer Science. I am bidding on a local contract which is pretty dense and big budget project.

You should expect to be signing contracts. That does not require any legal status. Any identification will do. But a lot of the clients require your company information. You can register a company. i forgot which kind, but pretty sure `inc` requires social security.

If you want to start small, go to sites like oDesk.com
They only require a mastercard / credit card number, and you can work for people whoever hire you.

For EE, you are pretty much out of luck. If you serving public, you need a professional license (at least, you need a license). If you are doing manufacture work, it doesn't require any license, but it is difficult to find internship / job because you are undocumented.

You can go ask for research.

For programming, your best bet is Python and Java. C / C++ are very popular but I think for the time being, Python is probably the best language for you. I use it in my research a lot, and I like it very much.


What you want to do is to recruit people to work WITH you. One man simply can't do everything. So if your best friend is also EE or whatever, CS / CpE, or even business dude, he can register the company, and do the paper and split the money, whatever. You get the point. But first you need to hve experience on your own.

Just learn a programming language. If you wanna learn how to make websites http://w3schools.com/ is a good start, not nearly enough though. you should also pick up books from your local libraries, there are tons of resources available online for free. It just depends if you wanna learn to make iphone apps, websites or stand alone applications. There is huge demand for the first two.

Thank you all for your reply. My concern with programming is the amount of programmers out there. Whenever I look at sites that have bids on programming jobs, I always see someone more experience willing to take the job for less money. What do you all think?

I did something similar where I worked as a video production expert with an ITIN and EIN. It worked well and I got paid my salary for the while I was there. Start learning all you can about web design and web programming since these jobs are easier to get as a freelance contractor. If you can build entire websites by yourself or offer technology solutions to people, you'll get hired by small companies.

I wouldn't try applying to Apple, but I'd try working for any local web firm and use the ITIN or EIN.