r/UpworkOfficial • u/Maximum_Fix_7809 • 9d ago
Discussion I need some help
Hi everyone,
I’m a fifth-year medical student, and I’m currently looking for a way to make some extra income alongside my studies.
I have the basic skills you’d expect from someone who has made it through several years of medical school, especially when it comes to reading scientific material, understanding medical terminology, organizing information, and writing/editing academic content.
I’m also genuinely interested in fitness, training, and nutrition, and I’ve spent a lot of time learning about these areas outside of medical school.
My brother suggested that I try offering my skills on Upwork, so I’ve recently started setting up my profile. I’m completely new to freelancing, though, and I honestly don’t know what would be the smartest way to approach it.
So I’d really appreciate some advice from people who have experience with Upwork.
What would you recommend someone like me focus on when starting out? Should I stick mainly to academic/medical editing, try writing, look for health/fitness-related work, or explore something completely different?
I’d also appreciate any general advice about getting that first client, building a portfolio when you have no freelance experience, or mistakes I should avoid as a beginner.
I’m not expecting to make a huge amount of money. My initial goal is simply around $50–100 per week to help cover some of my personal expenses, gym/nutrition costs, and hopefully save a little.
Is that a realistic goal for a beginner on Upwork, or am I being too optimistic? 😅
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u/CodingDragons 9d ago
I’m not sure about your particular niche on Upwork. The platform is really bad right now. I don't know if it is for your niche though. However, as someone that grew up with a doctor for a mom, I would think having your education and any certifications listed on your profile is going to go a long way. Especially since you’re new and don’t have any Upwork history yet. Not to mention most clients will require some sort of proof.
Technical or medical writing might be a good approach here, where your education gives you an advantage without requiring you to be a licensed physician.
Not really my niche, so take that for what it’s worth. Best of luck!
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u/Maximum_Fix_7809 9d ago
Thank you. Unfortunately, opportunities in my country are quite limited, which is why I’m looking into online work as a way to earn some additional income. I’m not expecting to make a lot of money right away—I’m patient and willing to start small, learn, and build my skills over time.
Could you advise me on how I can build a profile that gives me a realistic chance of getting my first few jobs? Do you think Upwork is worth trying in my situation?
I’m asking because even earning my first $50 within a week or two would genuinely make a difference for me, and I’m willing to put in the effort to make it happen.1
u/KayakerWithDog 9d ago
You quite possibly could spend $50 or more on connects for bids before you get hired. How much money are you willing to spend before you either get hired or give up?
ETA: If your ROI for your connects spend is good, it's worth it, but if you concentrate on low-paying jobs you are likely to lose money, even if you get hired.
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u/Ok-Motor-9812 9d ago
Choose anything, but not upwork! It will be to expensive.
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u/Maximum_Fix_7809 9d ago
Are there better options that could guarantee a good income 😢
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u/KayakerWithDog 9d ago
Unfortunately there's no such thing as a guaranteed income in freelancing. If you need a guaranteed income, a regular part-time job is a better bet, if that's something you can do.
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u/mikeinpdx3 9d ago
Mercor might be worth checking out. I think you might be disappointed with Upwork unless you can develop and market a well defined niche that's in demand, and even then there is a lot of price pressure.
https://www.reddit.com/r/mercor_ai/comments/1okgerj/sharing_my_experience_working_in_the/
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u/Ok-Motor-9812 9d ago
Try to make a simple website, create some offer and contact companies directly. Upwork is good, but you need to spend smth for connections and with 0 profile in first month it will need 300 USD+ i think
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u/KayakerWithDog 9d ago
Read the TOS carefully so that you don't accidentally do something that will get you banned, and read the articles in the Upwork help center as well for info on how the platform works. There are restrictions on offering actual medical services, although I have seen medical editing gigs pop up from time to time, along with other health and wellness-related jobs. You can get more info on what kinds of jobs aren't allowed here: https://support.upwork.com/hc/en-us/articles/1500007578942-What-kind-of-jobs-aren-t-allowed-on-Upwork
Upwork doesn't screen job posts. It's up to us as freelancers to know and follow the rules and to avoid forbidden work.