Let's face it: freelancing is hard work, and constantly pitching projects to potential clients and building a steady work stream can be challenging. Add those to dealing with unstable living conditions, and it becomes much more difficult.
To alleviate this problem, Upwork, one of the most well-known job marketplaces for freelance professionals, has launched the Opportunity Unlimited program to assist displaced freelancers registered on its platform. Let's jump into the program's details.
What Is the "Opportunity Unlimited" Program?
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Opportunity Unlimited is a new work initiative pioneered by Upwork and Tent, a coalition of businesses dedicated to global refugee assistance programs, to identify and assist thousands of displaced professional freelancers from Ukraine.
It involves connecting these individuals with viable remote employment opportunities from businesses and companies across the globe.
Upwork says these professionals will connect with over 250 businesses via the Tent Partnership for Refugees network, allowing them to utilize their talents across several industries and fields. This is excellent news if you are a freelancer displaced by the war in Ukraine.
Who Are the Program's Organizers and Partners?
Upwork, Tent, Sutherland, and Genpact are the program's major protagonists. However, other partners include Techfugees, Payoneer, Upwardly Global, and the United Nations International Organization for Migration.
These organizations will support the initiative with their experience in professional services, digital transformation, and working with refugees and displaced persons.
Who Are the Major Beneficiaries of the Initiative?
The program focuses on assisting freelancers who have fled Ukraine, although Upwork plans to expand it to displaced freelancers from regions including Syria and Venezuela.
Thus, companies can work with individuals from various fields, including marketing and sales, content creation, customer support, data entry, mobile, web, and software development.
With thousands of talented freelancers in these sectors, companies can use the Upwork app to select the best talent for their operations and ensure they are the right fit.
How Will the Opportunity Unlimited Program Work?
Becoming a successful freelancer takes time, but professionals in the aforementioned fields will receive assistance building projects and arranging short-term and long-term employment contracts with companies from the US, Europe, and other countries.
These moves will allow them to earn a steady income while developing their professional skills.
Upwork and its partners will also work together to assist companies trying to integrate these displaced freelancers into their workforces. Thus, companies and freelancers can work synergistically and benefit from one another.
If you are a displaced freelancer looking to take advantage of this opportunity, here is a series of steps to get you started.
- Go to the Upwork website
- Sign up using your work email address, Apple, or Google account
- Enter your personal details
- Set up your work profile
- Outline your professional skills and qualifications
- Build your portfolio
After setting up your profile, you can:
- Access expert skills training sessions in your field of expertise
- Locate essential social services around you
What Are the Benefits of the Opportunity Unlimited Program?
All eligible professionals will work with talent coaches to register on Upwork, build their skills in high-demand sectors, and use personal branding tips to create strong online profiles. These will help them stand out when applying for roles at companies looking for top-class talent.
You will also have access to professional training and development tools and learn how to become a successful freelancer. Upwork and Tent will work to match displaced freelancers with exciting employment opportunities and companies on Upwork's online job platform.
Additionally, freelancers can take skill certification tests, and qualified candidates will receive Upwork badges indicating expertise in those areas. Thus, you can stand out from the crowd and drastically improve your chances of being hired by a top client.
What to Expect From the Initiative
The Upwork-Tent initiative is a fantastic opportunity for displaced freelance professionals from war-torn areas to continue developing their skills, work with top-class clients, and achieve financial stability.
Furthermore, it provides these companies with access to the best freelance talent from Ukraine, improving collaboration between a diverse group of professionals.