East London Talent is the freelance marketplace and shop run by the University of East London (UEL) for its students and graduates. Registered students and graduates create a professional profile, build a portfolio and take on paid freelance work from local businesses. They can also sell products they’ve developed. Students are paid directly and the platform takes zero commission, which makes it unusual among freelance marketplaces.
At a glance
| What it is | UEL’s freelance marketplace and shop |
| Who can join | Registered UEL students and graduates |
| Commission | Zero |
| Clients | Mainly small and medium businesses, many in East London |
| Work types | Freelance services and product sales |
| Support | Workshops and one-to-one sessions from UEL careers |
How it works
Eligible students and graduates sign up through UEL’s careers platform and create a freelancer profile with their skills, services and portfolio. Businesses browse profiles or post opportunities, then hire students directly. Payment goes straight to the student, with no commission taken. Students who make products can list them in the shop.
UEL’s careers and enterprise team actively brings small and medium businesses onto the platform, especially in East London. That outreach means there’s an effort to bring real opportunities to students, not just a directory.
Support for new freelancers
UEL backs the marketplace with freelance workshops and one-to-one sessions to help students build a portfolio, price their work and run projects. For a first-time freelancer, that guidance can be as valuable as the work itself. It sits alongside UEL’s Career Zone, which lists internships, placements and part-time jobs.
The kind of work on offer
Expect project-based work from small businesses: graphic design, social media content, websites, photography, video, copywriting, research and similar tasks. Products can include design goods, art or other items students make.
Pricing your work
Because there’s no commission, what you charge is what you keep, but remember tax. Price simply, with a fixed fee for a defined piece of work. Start modest to win your first reviews, then raise rates as your portfolio grows.
Common mistakes
Some students agree vague briefs and end up doing far more than they priced. Others leave profiles half finished. Write down what’s included, and keep your portfolio current.
Building a portfolio as a student
If you don’t have client work yet, use strong coursework, personal projects or mock briefs. Show three to five of your best pieces, each with a line on the goal and your role. Quality matters more than quantity.
Working with local businesses
Small business owners are often busy and new to hiring freelancers. Help them by asking clear questions, sending a short written quote and agreeing a deadline. Deliver on time and ask for a testimonial you can add to your profile.
Is it worth it?
For UEL students, yes. It’s free, supported by the university and a safe place to land first clients. Once you’ve built a track record, you can take that portfolio to open marketplaces too.
Keeping track
Record every project, what you charged and the feedback you got. That record helps you set prices and shows your progress when you apply for jobs after graduating.
Final tip
Reply to business enquiries within a day. Quick, polite replies win small jobs more often than the lowest price does.
Owen’s take
If you study or studied at UEL, East London Talent is an easy first step into freelancing. Zero commission and university support make it low risk.
Who it suits
It suits current UEL students and recent graduates in creative, digital, business and technical subjects. It doesn’t suit anyone outside UEL, since access is limited to its community.
Getting started
Log in to UEL’s careers platform, find East London Talent and create your profile. Add a portfolio, list your services with clear prices and book a careers session if you want help getting started.
Similar options
- Movemeon connects UK professionals with project work.
- PeoplePerHour is a UK freelance marketplace.
- YunoJuno is a UK freelance platform.
- Behance helps creatives show their portfolio.
More options are in Freelancing.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Zero commission
- University support and workshops
- Local business clients
Cons
- Only for UEL students and graduates
- Smaller volume than open marketplaces
- Mostly local clients
FAQ
What is East London Talent?
The University of East London’s freelance marketplace and shop for students and graduates.
Who can use it?
Registered UEL students and graduates.
Does it charge commission?
No, students are paid directly with zero commission.
Can I sell products?
Yes, students can sell products they’ve developed.
Does UEL help students get started?
Yes, through workshops and one-to-one sessions.
