Why are skills learned in university often considered 'low-income'?

Many university programs focus on academic knowledge that doesn't directly translate into high demand or value in the current business market. High-income skills are often practical and learned through self-teaching or on-the-job experience.

What makes selling services to businesses easier than selling to consumers?

Businesses generally have larger budgets and different financial priorities than individual consumers. They are often willing to pay a premium for skills that directly impact their bottom line, efficiency, or growth.

How can students become software consultants?

Students can gain proficiency in business software like Notion or HubSpot through online tutorials. They can then offer consulting services to businesses that need training or help optimizing their use of these tools, even command high hourly rates.

What is copywriting and why is it a high-income skill?

Copywriting is the skill of writing persuasive text for sales pages, advertisements, and marketing materials. A small improvement in conversion rates through effective copywriting can lead to massive revenue increases for businesses, making copywriters highly valuable.

In what design fields can students make good money?

Students can pursue web design, graphic design, UI/UX design, or create design assets like banners and social media graphics. Businesses often struggle to find good designers and are willing to pay freelance rates for quality work.

Is coding still a viable high-income skill for beginners?

Yes, coding remains a high-income skill with strong demand. With abundant free online resources, AI coding assistants like GitHub Copilot, and options to create profitable software products, it's more accessible than ever.

5 High Income Skills for Students to Learn in 2026

Ali Abdaal

Education3 min read31 min video

Jun 21, 2024|1,630,251 views|59,960|1,078

Ali Abdaal Ali abdal high income skills how to make money online make money online how to make money passive income make money online 2024 make money online with ai passive income ideas how to earn money online making money online

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Key Moments

TL;DR

Learn 5 high-income skills: software consulting, copywriting, design, web development, and coding to boost your earning potential.

Key Insights

The value of a skill (personal stock price) increases with market demand and profitability, especially when selling to businesses.

Universities often teach low-income skills; high-income skills typically require self-learning and practical application.

Software consulting involves mastering business software (e.g., Notion, HubSpot) to train companies, commanding high hourly rates.

Copywriting and ghostwriting are valuable writing skills that significantly enhance business sales and revenue conversion rates.

Design skills (web, graphic) are in high demand as businesses need assets for websites, marketing, and products.

Web development, using platforms like Webflow, allows individuals to build websites for businesses at substantial project fees.

Coding offers opportunities to build for businesses or create own products, with AI tools making it more accessible.

Selling services to businesses is generally more lucrative than selling to individual consumers.

THE PHILOSOPHY OF EARNING POTENTIAL

The video introduces the concept of a 'personal stock price,' representing an individual's worth to the market, which can be significantly increased by acquiring high-income skills. These skills are defined as those that directly translate to higher earning potential, particularly when offered to businesses. The underlying philosophy emphasizes that valuing your skills in terms of their marketability and profitability is key to financial success. This perspective shifts the focus from traditional educational paths to skills that offer tangible value in the capitalist system, encouraging individuals to invest in their 'business of you' to maximize its worth.

SOFTWARE CONSULTING: MASTERING BUSINESS TOOLS

One key high-income skill is becoming a software consultant for businesses. This involves mastering software that companies use for operations, such as Notion or HubSpot. While students might learn these tools organically through online resources like YouTube, businesses often lack the time or expertise to do so. Consultants can charge significant fees for training and implementation, as demonstrated by examples of students earning hundreds of dollars per session or thousands for packages. This skill is valuable because it addresses a direct business need for efficiency and expertise in widely used platforms.

COPYWRITING AND GHOSTWRITING: THE POWER OF PERSUASION

The ability to write persuasively, known as copywriting, is highlighted as a crucial high-income skill. Effective copywriting on sales pages can dramatically increase a business's conversion rates, directly boosting revenue. For instance, improving a conversion rate from 0.5% to 2% can quadruple a business's earnings. This skill is accessible through books and online resources, and professionals can command substantial fees for their services, often taking a percentage of the revenue increase they generate. Ghostwriting also falls under this category, enabling individuals to earn well by writing for others.

DESIGN SERVICES FOR BUSINESSES

Design, encompassing web design, graphic design, and product design, is another lucrative skill. Businesses consistently require design assets for websites, marketing materials, social media content, and product development. Many smaller businesses cannot afford full-time designers, leading them to hire freelance professionals. Individuals with aesthetic sense and proficiency in tools like Figma, Canva, or Photoshop can find ample opportunities. Even those with a medical background, like the speaker, found success by targeting niche markets, demonstrating the broad applicability of design skills when sold strategically.

WEB DEVELOPMENT AND WEBSITE BUILDING

Every business needs a website, making web design and development highly valuable skills. Platforms like Webflow offer advanced website building capabilities, and learning them can lead to high-paying projects. Individuals who can both design and develop a website are particularly sought after. By targeting businesses in the range of $1 million to $20 million in annual revenue, web developers can secure contracts worth thousands to tens of thousands of dollars per project. This skill is essential for establishing and enhancing a business's online presence.

CODING AND SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT

Coding is presented as a foundational high-income skill with vast potential. While often perceived as difficult or only for 'nerds,' AI tools like GitHub Copilot and GPT have made it more accessible. Companies, especially in the US, offer high starting salaries for coders, often exceeding six figures. Beyond employment, coding enables individuals to create their own software products, like apps or online tools, which can generate significant passive income. Examples show that even young individuals can build successful products from scratch, leveraging simple ideas and accessible technology.

Mentioned in This Episode

●Software & Apps

●Companies

●Organizations

●Books

●Concepts

●People Referenced

High Income Skills for Students: Dos and Don'ts

Practical takeaways from this episode

Do This

Focus on skills valued by businesses (B2B), not just consumers.

Leverage your existing tech-savviness as a student to consult on software businesses use.

Learn skills that directly increase your 'personal stock price' in the marketplace.

Understand that value is determined by who is buying your skill.

Consider skills like software consulting, copywriting, design, web development, and coding.

Utilize online resources like YouTube and tutorials to self-teach high-income skills.

Build a portfolio and target relevant clients who can afford your services.

Use AI tools like GitHub Copilot to enhance your coding productivity.

Think about creating your own software products if you can code.

Avoid This

Don't rely on skills that are only high-income if you are exceptionally lucky or famous (e.g., purely artistic talents).

Don't limit yourself to skills typically taught in university, as many are 'low-income'.

Don't try to sell services to consumers if you want easier money; businesses have more capital.

Don't underestimate the value of basic software proficiency to less tech-savvy business owners.

Don't expect universities to teach you the practical 'business of you' skills.

Don't target clients who are looking for the cheapest possible service ($5-$10 websites).

Common Questions

The 'personal stock price' refers to your worth in the marketplace based on your skills and abilities. High-income skills increase this value, allowing you to command higher rates for your work.

Topics

Career Skills Software Consulting Copywriting Web Design Graphic Design Student Finance

Mentioned in this video

conceptNeurosurgeon

Used as an example of a high-income skill, particularly in a private healthcare system like the US compared to the UK.

conceptCopywriting

Described as a high-income skill involving persuasive writing for sales pages and marketing materials, particularly for businesses.

softwareIndie Hackers

A website featuring interviews with individuals who have built successful businesses from their bedrooms, inspiring for coders and entrepreneurs.

conceptApp

Mentioned as a product of coding, a high-income skill.

softwareFeelgood Productivity.com

The website for Ali Abdal's book, designed by Henry. It serves as an example of a high-value web design project.

softwareAbi's Graphic Design

The YouTube channel of Abi Conic, a graphic and brand designer who teaches others how to become designers.

softwareFramer

A tool for designing websites, mentioned as a platform where skilled designers can make significant money.

bookCopywriting Secrets

A book on copywriting recommended by the speaker.

conceptGuitar

Used as an example of a low-income skill unless one is world-class or finds a niche market with businesses (e.g., record companies).

organizationNational Health Service

The publicly funded healthcare system in the UK, mentioned as Ali Abdal's former employer.

personCardinal Mason

A YouTuber with a channel focused on copywriting, showcasing behind-the-scenes work.

personDicky Bush

Co-creator of a course and YouTube channel on ghostwriting.

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