The Best Freelancer Websites for Finding Developers

freelance sites

Finding good Freelance sites help can be hard these days, especially in the development and engineering world.

It seems that getting the right, qualified, full-time employees and keeping them can be almost impossible. That’s what makes hiring freelancers such a great alternative.

Freelancers can be hired to assist with a specific problem or upcoming project. The limited attachment to freelancers keeps the cost down while addressing your company’s need. Who knows, you might even find the perfect full-time developer in the process.

The Internet provides a litany of freelancing websites out there for you to trudge through and find out which works the best for your situation.

This freedom can be a double-edged sword.

It’s good for the sheer volume of candidates that are accessible to you, but bad because there is just simply too much to comb through. We’re going to make that process more palpable by detailing some of the best options out there. Here are our top 10 freelance websites to help you find a star engineer:

1. Toptal

Toptal connects startups and businesses with the top talent in software engineering from around the world. The company uniquely boasts that they can give you access to the top 3 percent of freelance developers all over the world. They do this by screening all applicants before they enter their freelancing talent pool.

What Do Technical Support Specialists Do?

A technical support specialist consults with other employees and identifies technology problems; they then propose or collaborate on solutions. In some companies, this position requires the specialist to write programs to improve the efficiency and productivity of the systems already in place. As technology is constantly changing, individuals in this position must be aware of and able to respond to changes in technology. The technical support specialist must be technologically savvy and focused on finding solutions to issues with media technology and information integration. Often, the position is located within a computer lab or sometimes a classroom. If the position is within a school, an understanding of educational technology is a must.

Almost all companies require a degree related to information technology, although many do not require any additional experience. However, some of higher-paying positions require experience with analysis of hardware and software. A thorough knowledge of Windows or IOS hardware and software is necessary. In addition, all multimedia technologies should be fully known, and the technical support specialist should also be able to translate the language of complex technology into simple and understandable words to educate others within the company or school. In some cases, this position may require managing others; in all cases, it is important to have good communication and people skills.

Technical Support Specialist Tasks

• Identify problems with information technology system operations and provide potential workarounds.
• Raise information, bug and feature requests to the development team or senior support specialists.

Application systems engineer job description

application systems engineer job description

I hope you guys can take a break from all the studying you are doing and spare me a few moments of your time.

From what I have researched, Systems Engineering seems to be a more management position. They oversee teams of engineers working on projects.

My question is, how technical do you get as a Systems Engineer, in school and on the job?

My second question is, how hard is it to become one? I have variously heard it is extremely difficult to it shouldn't even be considered engineering. What do you guys think?

I should add I'm not the best at math or physics, and am going to be a senior in high school. I struggled in Calc. 2 (got a B after practicing a lot and getting a tutor) and I just don't like physics (got a B in gen phys, a B in mechanics, and a C in E&M).

I will be taking Linear Algebra and either Multivariate Calculus or Diff. Eq. this year.

I was drawn to this because I really like project management.

IS IT system engineer or systems engineer?

application systems engineer

An IT software engineer and systems engineer actually have a lot in common.

Both need to understand underlying business and support requirements to design solutions. They must both draw on techniques and processes from multiple disciplines when solving a complex problem or set of problems. And they are both expected to bring several years of experience with various programming languages to their roles, and to collaborate with quality assurance (QA) and hardware engineers.

As for general differences between the two positions: Software engineers tend to focus more on implementing software, while systems engineers work with users and domains. If you’re considering a career in either position, read on for some more details about what to expect and how to train for each:

The software engineer

An IT software engineer designs and creates engineering specifications for building software programs, and should have broad information systems experience. Software engineers typically work with QA and hardware engineers to develop testing plans. Other responsibilities might involve determining what development methodology to use and documenting software requirements.

Minimum requirements for this role, according to Robert Half Technology’s Salary Guide, include a bachelor’s degree in computer science, electrical engineering, computer engineering or a related discipline. Most can

The systems engineer

A systems engineer in IT does some of the same work as a software engineer in that he or she develops software components. But systems engineering also involves specifying, building, maintaining and supporting technical infrastructure. That infrastructure can include the build, test and production environments used to deliver Software as a Service, and the systems used to monitor the performance of deployed software solutions. A systems engineer also may be called on to perform high-level root cause analysis for service interruptions, and help bring services back online once a problem is resolved.

The minimum education requirements for the system engineer role mirror those of a software engineer: a bachelor’s degree in computer science, electrical engineering, computer engineering or a related discipline. Like systems engineers, software engineers typically have several years of experience working with multiple programming languages and are capable of collaborating with QA and hardware engineers.

Soft skills are especially important for systems engineering professionals, as they must be able to communicate effectively with both technical and nontechnical users. Many employers will want a systems engineer candidate with extensive experience working with specific hardware and software systems, and the ability to demonstrate that he or she can design, analyze and troubleshoot IT at a systems level.didates for software engineering jobs also have several years’ experience in specific programming languages, such as C# and C++, Java or Visual Basic .NET. Programming languages required will vary by employer.

What is application systems?

application systems

An application system normally consists of a user interface, business logic and a database of some sort.

The user interface is something that you can see and something that is used to interact with the computer.  It could consist of set of screens, web pages or reports.  Sometimes the user interface is an input device such as a bar code reader or a voice recognition device.

Some application systems have non-visual interfaces.  These application systems exchange data electronically with other applications via a network.

Programming logic consists of one or more computer programs, scripts or other type of computer instructions that are used to validate data, perform calculations or navigate the user through the application system. Most large computer systems use multiple computer languages.

A database is a repository of data that is used to store information of interest to the organization in a structured format.  The database could be a set of flat files and/or database tables.  The structure of the database is designed to facilitate data access and/or updates. 

A computer system is simply a set of computer components that are assembled into an integrated package.  The components can be large or small and can be designed for a single purpose or for multiple purposes.

What is application systems?

An application system normally consists of a user interface, business logic and a database of some sort.

The user interface is something that you can see and something that is used to interact with the computer.  It could consist of set of screens, web pages or reports.  Sometimes the user interface is an input device such as a bar code reader or a voice recognition device.

Some application systems have non-visual interfaces.  These application systems exchange data electronically with other applications via a network.

Programming logic consists of one or more computer programs, scripts or other type of computer instructions that are used to validate data, perform calculations or navigate the user through the application system. Most large computer systems use multiple computer languages.

A database is a repository of data that is used to store information of interest to the organization in a structured format.  The database could be a set of flat files and/or database tables.  The structure of the database is designed to facilitate data access and/or updates. 

A computer system is simply a set of computer components that are assembled into an integrated package.  The components can be large or small and can be designed for a single purpose or for multiple purposes.

Information technology support specialist job Description

Information technology (IT) support specialists provide technical support to users of various software and hardware systems. As an IT support specialist, your duties may include installing and upgrading software and hardware, adding or moving computer equipment, and assisting with software rollouts or patches. Information technology specialists also triage technical issues through monitoring and responding to service logs, providing troubleshooting guidance, and resolving technical problems. Administrative tasks for an IT support specialist encompass verifying software licenses, maintaining equipment records and databases, and the procurement of technology. Information technology support specialist roles can be found in virtually any organization with an IT department. Although you can expect to work standard office hours, information technology support specialists may be on-call to resolve urgent or critical issues. To become an IT support specialist, you'll need at least an associate's or four-year degree in a technology-related field. Additional training and certification with platforms like Oracle, Cisco or Microsoft may be of value when pursuing a systems support specialist job.

Info tech specialist

info tech specialist

The Role of an IT Specialist

An information technology specialist has a multitude of roles to fill. Today, nearly all transactions in business and personal activities involve a computer: recording a sale, computing payroll, keeping track of inventory, paying bills and more. In this age of high technology, every organization with a computer needs to have an IT specialist available, either on-site or on-call, to deal with the problems that will certainly occur.

Someone has to keep all of this software and hardware working correctly. Those are the duties of an IT specialist.

Computer support technicians have a multitude of responsibilities and specific skills. The following job descriptions are samples of the applications of the technological know-how of IT specialists.

Job Descriptions for an IT Specialist

Help desk: The unfortunate fact is that hardware and software programs don't always work the way they're supposed to. And most of us don't have the tech know-how to find the problem and fix it. As a result, someone places a call to the IT specialist; he is usually available 24/7.

Computer support specialists give advice and help to anyone who uses a computer in an organizatomton. They receive the phone calls for help and respond to handle the problems. Most of the time, the IT specialist can solve the problem remotely, but they are also available to make on-site visits.

IT support technicians have the skills to set up and install computer equipment and make most repairs. They can train employees on how to use new computer hardware and software. This includes using word-processing software, operating printers and even providing instructions on how to send and receive emails.

Technology specialist jobs

technology specialist jobs

Information Technology Duties and Responsibilities

• Administer network and data security, including directory, group policy, firewalls, virus protection, and email security
• Perform data backups to ensure all company-owned work is saved
• Install and update network system improvements
• Install and configure wireless networking equipment
• Monitor servers, LAN/WAN, and Wi-Fi to ensure full coverage
• Assist with the design, implementation, and support of new software and features
• Evaluate connectivity issues, equipment, and software and hardware
• Respond to IT issues; hardware maintenance, software, networking, etc.
• Provide helpdesk and technical support either by phone, remote access, or site visits
• Oversee troubleshooting for system errors
• Set up equipment for new users and employees
• Consult with vendors and clients to integrate and update company technology
• Ensure system optimization for all technology resources

Information Technology Requirements and Qualifications

• High school degree or equivalent; bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, or related field preferred
• Industry certification (MCSE), CompTIA A+, CompTIA Net+ certification, or other related IT professional certification; must meet all state-required licensure/certification. Preference given to candidates with the following: CASP, CEH, CISSP, GSEC, GCIH, Sec+, Net+, A+, Cloud+, CCNA, CCNP, CCDP, CCDA, MCP, MCSA, MCSE, MCITP, MTA
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in an information technology role
• Experience working with network and server management support
• Up-to-date knowledge of new systems, information, software, hardware, and upgrades
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Similar Job Titles

• IT Systems Specialist
• Associate IT Specialist
• IT Product Specialist
• Compliance Specialist
• IT Specialist

information technology support jobs

information technology support jobs

Information technology (IT) is a sector with abundant opportunities for tech graduates to earn a substantial income and develop a satisfying career. Which are the best jobs for entry-level candidates ready to launch their IT careers?

There are many job opportunities that offer both high earnings and a strong employment outlook.

TEKsystems surveyed 250 hiring managers and asked them which entry-level roles within the industry provided the best opportunities for recent college graduates.1 The following jobs were most frequently recommended by hiring managers.

Top 7 Entry-Level IT Jobs

1. Applications Developer

Applications developers create software or applications for computers and mobile devices to enable users to process information efficiently. They analyze the needs of users and incorporate feedback from tests to modify applications.

Salary: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), applications developers earned a median annual wage of $103,620 in May 2018. The lowest 10% of software developers earned $61,660, and the highest 10% earned more than $166,960.

Employment Outlook: The BLS estimates that opportunities for application developers will grow by 26% from 2018 to 2028, much faster than for other occupations.

2. Technical Support Specialist

Technical support specialists resolve problems that end users and customers have while operating computer systems and software. They train users to utilize computer software, hardware, and systems and provide updates on system enhancements. Technical support specialists maintain networking and internet systems, troubleshoot problems, and make necessary repairs.

Salary: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), technical support specialists for computer networks earned a median annual wage of $62,770, while technical support specialists for users earned $50,980 in May 2018.

Employment Outlook: The BLS estimates that opportunities for technical support specialists will grow by 10% from 2018 to 2028, faster than for other occupations.

3. Business/Systems Analyst

Business/systems analysts consult with managers and staff to assess an organization's need for IT systems. They evaluate emerging technology and review options to optimize information processing. Business/systems analysts recommend new systems and oversee their implementation.

Salary: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), business/systems analysts earned a median annual wage of $88,740 in May 2018. The lowest 10% earned $54,360, and the highest 10% earned more than $142,220.

Employment Outlook: The BLS estimates that opportunities for business/systems analysts will grow by 9% from 2018 to 2028, faster than average for other occupations.

4. Web Developer

Web developers communicate with management and end users to determine their needs for web-based technology. They create websites with an eye toward speed, functionality, appearance, and relevance to organizational missions. Web developers collaborate with other IT staff to integrate other applications into websites; they also address and resolve website user issues.

Salary: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), web developers earned a median annual wage of $69,430 in May 2018. The lowest 10% earned $37,930, and the highest 10% earned more than $124,480.

Employment Outlook: The BLS estimates that opportunities for web developers will grow by 13% from 2018 to 2028, much faster than for other occupations.

5. Network/System Administrator

Network/system administrators recommend, install, and maintain local area networks, intranets, and organizational communications systems. They resolve network problems and take measures to optimize network performance. Network/system administrators also evaluate threats to systems and establish security protocols.

Salary: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), network/system administrators earned a median annual wage of $82,050 in May 2018. The lowest 10% earned $50,990, and the highest 10% earned more than $130,720.

Employment Outlook: The BLS estimates that opportunities for network/system administrators will grow by 5% from 2018 - 2028, about as fast as other occupations.

6. Database Administrator

Database administrators oversee the implementation and maintenance of software to organize records and data needed by staff to carry out their duties. They modify databases to reflect user needs as they emerge. Database administrators ensure the security of organizational databases from threats.

Salary: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), database administrators earned a median annual wage of $90,070 in May 2018. The lowest 10% earned $50,340, and the highest 10% earned more than $138,320.

Employment Outlook: The BLS estimates that opportunities for database administrators will grow by 9% from 2018 to 2028, faster than for other occupations.

7. Systems Engineer

System engineers are responsible for creating or modifying computer systems for their clients or employers based on their specifications, and they work extensively with hardware engineers, software engineers, system administrators, hardware technicians, programmers, and product development staff. In addition to developing computer systems, system engineers may also customize computer systems, which are purchased from vendors.

Salary: According to Payscale, systems engineers earn a median annual wage of $77,875. The lowest 10% earned $57,000, and the highest 10% earned more than $122,000.

Entry-Level IT Jobs for Candidates with Associate's Degrees

Graduates with two-year degrees will often be targeted by employers for technical positions where they provide support to IT professionals.2 Common titles for such positions include “network technician,” “support technician,” “help desk associate,” “web developer,” and “IT operations specialist.” 

IT is considered to be a “show me” field, so associate’s-degree holders with a resume or portfolio showcasing freelance or internship experience and/or certifications will be considered by some employers for software/applications developer, network administrator, and other professional roles.3

How to Be a Competive Candidate

The more experience you have, the better your chances of being a competitive candidate. The IT skills you have acquired will also boost your candidacy, so don’t hesitate to apply if you meet the requirements listed for the position.

If you're short on qualifications, consider one of the easy work-from-home computer jobs that don't require much experience.

what does an information technology specialist do

what does an information technology specialist do

The Bureau of Labor Statistics describes an IT specialist as a “trained professional who provides information technology support” for organizations. Informational technology specialists analyze requirements, develop and test software, perform computer tasks and troubleshoot problems. The term applies to such positions as software developer, system administrator, network administrator, database administrator, support specialist and technical writer.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics describes an IT specialist as a “trained professional who provides information technology support” for organizations. Informational technology specialists analyze requirements, develop and test software, perform computer tasks and troubleshoot problems. The term applies to such positions as software developer, system administrator, network administrator, database administrator, support specialist and technical writer.
Software developers plan and create two types of software: systems, which allow computer hardware to function, and applications, which perform user tasks such as word processing, database management and three-dimensional design. Though they often give their designs to programmers for actual coding, developers must also know software languages in case they must code on their own. They also test and document their creations to ensure usability. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that applications software developers averaged $44.27 per hour or $92,080 per year as of May 2011. Systems software developers earned a mean $48.28 per hour or $100,420 per year.

Administrators

Administrators manage computer systems, databases and networks. They are responsible for keeping systems running, ensuring that all hardware and software components communicate with one another, performing maintenance so systems function efficiently and solving problems that users discover. They often manage teams of technical specialists who actually carry out planned installations, maintenance and repair. Network and computer systems administrators averaged $35.71 per hour or $74,270 per year in 2011. Database administrators earned a mean $37.19 per hour or $77,350 per year in the same BLS review.

Software Developers

4 Skills an IT Specialist Should Possess

information technology specialists

An information technology (IT) specialist is an individual who helps people solve technical problems involving computer software, hardware, networks, Cloud platforms, etc. They may communicate via telephone, online chat, or face to face and use their IT support skills to assist computer users. Some exclusively help their company’s customers, while others will primarily focus on helping a business’s employees.

Some work from a central office, while others may work out in the field and travel from location to location. In some cases, an IT specialist will design new technology systems or make adjustments to an existing system to maximize efficiency. While this position requires a plethora of skills, here are four of the most important IT support skills that a specialist should possess.

1. Ability to Diagnose Problems

Due to the wide variety of issues that can be encountered at any given time, it’s necessary for an IT specialist to quickly examine multiple scenarios to determine the specifics of a problem. To accomplish this, it requires an extensive knowledge of information technology and enough experience to come up with the right solution. Consequently, they must be familiar with major operating systems and stay abreast of recent updates. With technological advancements moving quickly, it often requires ongoing research to remain effective at this position.

2. Attention to Detail

Failure to take minute details into consideration can mean the difference between a timely resolution and unnecessary mistakes. That’s why an IT specialist must have an eye and ear for catching information that others may miss out on. They have to ask the right questions to guide the interaction in a way that a customer or business employee thoroughly explains the issue and must listen carefully and never overlook any details.

3. Analytical Thinker

As they acquire information, an IT specialist must be able to analyze it so that they can come up with the best plan of action. They need to take all the information given and synthesize it within a matter of minutes to develop a practical solution. By examining the individual problem areas, they can see the big picture to tell exactly what needs to be fixed. It’s also ideal for an IT specialist to excel in mathematics because it’s helpful for understanding the inner workings of telecommunications systems. In particular, it’s beneficial to understand the principles of geometry, calculus, and statistics.

information technology support specialist

Information technology (IT) support specialists provide technical support to users of various software and hardware systems. As an IT support specialist, your duties may include installing and upgrading software and hardware, adding or moving computer equipment, and assisting with software rollouts or patches. Information technology specialists also triage technical issues through monitoring and responding to service logs, providing troubleshooting guidance, and resolving technical problems. Administrative tasks for an IT support specialist encompass verifying software licenses, maintaining equipment records and databases, and the procurement of technology. Information technology support specialist roles can be found in virtually any organization with an IT department. Although you can expect to work standard office hours, information technology support specialists may be on-call to resolve urgent or critical issues. To become an IT support specialist, you'll need at least an associate's or four-year degree in a technology-related field. Additional training and certification with platforms like Oracle, Cisco or Microsoft may be of value when pursuing a systems support specialist job.

associate in architecture Job Responsibilities

associate in architecture

As a young engineer, you might want to know what job opportunities exist for you within the field. You’ll start in an entry-level role but you can quickly be promoted to an associate engineer if you work hard and exceed your employer’s expectations. The compensation you make as an engineer is high compared to other fields and ranges from about $60,000 to $170,000 a year, depending on the position and experience level.

More Experience, More Money

Experience level is one area that differentiates an entry-level engineer from an associate engineer. An entry-level position will be offered to a graduate fresh out of college. An associate engineer usually needs two or three years of experience. The best approach to getting a job as an associate engineer is to work your way up within your first company. While it is possible to move from an entry-level position to the associate level at a different company, you may have better luck getting promoted within your own company since your manager will better know your skills and abilities, compared to a manager hiring for a different firm.

associate in architecture Job Responsibilities

An entry-level engineer will likely have a mentor or supervisor who will provide detailed guidance on each aspect of any assigned project. For example, an entry-level mechanical engineer might take on computer-aided design tasks or simple drawing markups. The drawings would be released for manufacturing after a review and approval from a supervisor or senior-level person. An associate engineer has more experience and more responsibility on projects. He may have direct contact with customers and suppliers, and would be responsible for reviewing the work of an entry-level engineer.

Is associate a good title?

The modern economy, in all its complexity, has thousands of job roles. It takes a specialized vocabulary simply to describe them all. This can cause confusion when people use the same terms to refer to different roles, or to different ranks of the same role. Watch out for the words “associate” and “staff.” Their meanings vary considerably, depending on which industry or economic sector you look at, and can confuse you by implying a relationship between them that doesn’t exist in some cases but does exist in others.

The modern economy, in all its complexity, has thousands of job roles. It takes a specialized vocabulary simply to describe them all. This can cause confusion when people use the same terms to refer to different roles, or to different ranks of the same role. Watch out for the words “associate” and “staff.” Their meanings vary considerably, depending on which industry or economic sector you look at, and can confuse you by implying a relationship between them that doesn’t exist in some cases but does exist in others.In the corporate cultures of the private sector, the word “associate” usually appears as a qualifier to a job title. It indicates a lower rank than that of employees whose job titles don’t include it. This occurs with junior employees such as “associate office assistants,” middle employees such as “associate managers” and very senior employees such as “associate vice presidents.” Separately, a few companies call all of their low-ranking employees “associates” instead of something like “workers” or “employees,” as a way to imply that they value these employees. Meanwhile, the word “staff” when it appears in corporate culture usually refers to an in-house employee as opposed to a temp worker or an independent contractor. Sometimes it refers to a full-time employee as opposed to a part-time one.

In Law

Is associate a good title?

In the legal profession, the difference between staff and associate attorneys lies mainly in the prospect of career advancement. Staff attorneys mainly do work in support of more senior attorneys. In particular, they spend a lot of time sorting through legal documents to pick out the ones that pertain to a specific case. They don’t have good prospects for career advancement and don’t get paid as well as their associate counterparts, usually working on a contract and earning an hourly wage rather than a salary. In contrast, associate level attorneys constitute a core part of the law firm and have much better advancement prospects. Although they do plenty of document review, they also get the chance to confer with clients and argue in court. Associates tend to get paid a salary rather than an hourly wage, and may be in line to be promoted to “partner,” one of the senior members of their firm.