Where and How to Secure Data Analyst Freelance Jobs

This article will provide an overview of what it takes to work as a Freelance Data Analyst. It will also offer tips for securing a freelance job as a Data Analyst, as well as some places to search for freelance employment options.

Is a Freelance Data Analyst Job Right for You?

More data than ever before are being created each day, meaning there’s a corresponding need for qualified individuals to manage and analyze it. By studying historical events, past transactions, and even current patterns, Data Analysts can spot emerging trends and offer predictions about what is likely to unfold in the future. Organizations can then use these data-driven insights to make better business decisions.

While some people prefer full-time employment at an office, others enjoy the flexibility of working as a freelance Data Analyst. Freelancers are self-employed; they work for themselves and contractually sell their skills and services to an organization. Working as a freelance Data Analyst typically involves searching for clients and projects, managing your own accounting and insurance, and keeping track of billing-related documentation. Along with these responsibilities comes the benefit of being your own boss, working remotely, and selecting projects and clients that meet your conditions. Many freelancers prefer this form of work because of the freedom it provides and the work-life balance it can facilitate.

Freelance Data Analyst positions are becoming increasingly popular around the world. Approximately one-third of workers fill freelance roles, and nearly half of millennials are exploring freelance employment options. If you consider yourself self-motivated enough to work independently and want to explore freelance data analytics options, now is a great time to do so.

How to Find a Freelance Data Analyst Job

When applying for a job in any field, it’s a good idea to have as many of the standard application requirements as possible ready ahead of time. Doing so allows you to jump on a dream job shortly after it posts. Freelance jobs are no different in this sense. If you are looking for freelance data analytics work, there are a few things you should have ready:

• An updated resume with your most recent work experience listed near the top.
• A cover letter to accompany your resume and go into more detail about your qualifications.
• A professional portfolio (either on paper or online) showcasing your technical and creative skills, work-related projects, and experience working with big data.
• A current LinkedIn profile with an “About Me” section.
• Recommendations from any prior employers.
• A quiet workspace, either at home or elsewhere, to complete projects.

Where to Find a Freelance Data Analyst Job

Once you have the core application materials together, the next step in finding freelance data analytics jobs is to begin searching online. There are several platforms devoted to helping people find freelance careers in data analytics:

• Upwork is a valuable resource for finding a freelance job in data science or analytics. This site currently features 2,000 listings for data-related freelance jobs. Once you register with Upwork, you can submit your cover letter and an online portfolio to various job openings, which helps users strengthen search rankings and create a robust client list.
• Another helpful freelance services marketplace is Fiverr. Instead of displaying job descriptions, Fiverr allows users to propose projects at various price points, and if a client is interested, they can purchase your services. Some examples of the work offered on Fiverr include web embedding, model documentation, and data source connectivity.
• For those interested in pursuing a freelance position in the data sciences, such as in machine learning or statistics, Kaggle provides an online community with ample professional opportunities. Those who join Kaggle can post their own job listings or subscribe to be updated on new openings. Kaggle members also have the option of joining a variety of competitions in which they can win both recognition as well as cash prizes. Large companies worldwide like Amazon, Google, and Facebook post on Kaggle to seek qualified job candidates.
• If you’re looking for a freelance position with a startup or in the tech industry, AngelList is a valuable resource. This site provides a listing of both contract positions and remote jobs. One of AngelList’s most valuable features is that your user profile includes a variety of preferences for personal websites so that you can link to any relevant organization or project from past employment. In addition, you can apply directly to hiring managers on this site. There are also options for proposing projects and contacting business contacts to see if they may require your expertise.
• If you have worked as a Freelance Data Analyst in the past, then Toptal is an excellent platform to explore additional work options. Toptal focuses on pairing freelancers with well-established brands like Pfizer and Airbnb. Since this platform only works with those with an extensive freelance background, Toptal performs several screening measures, such as a detailed skills review, an interview based on communication, personality, and language, and test projects.
• CoFoundersLab is another helpful resource for those seeking freelance opportunities working with data. It allows members to connect with others who share their professional interests, some of whom may be searching for consultants. To use CoFoundersLab, users have to register as entrepreneurs. Once they do so, they can filter their search options to those relevant to the data sciences. If an entrepreneur is looking for someone with your training and skills, you can send them a direct message to learn more.
• Another excellent resource for finding freelance data analytics work is Facebook. Facebook has several groups devoted exclusively to remote workers and freelancers. Online communities such as this provide members with access to recent posts, which can help those currently in the job market stay abreast of new professional opportunities. This platform also can be used for networking with other Data Analysts. One benefit of using Facebook to connect with potential employers is that you can send them direct messages right from Facebook.

Sign up for Hands-on Data Analytics Classes

If you’re interested in learning how to analyze and visualize data, Noble Desktop’s Python for Data Science Bootcamp is a great learning option. This intensive, 30-hour course covers core Python skills that are useful for the data sciences, such as an overview of the various data types and how to create data visualizations. Noble also offers an 18-hour SQL Bootcamp in which students learn how to filter data, write SQL queries, and gather insights from data.

For those looking to learn specifically about data analytics, courses such as the Data Analytics Certificate or Data Analytics Technologies Bootcamp are available in-person in NYC, as well as in the live online format. These rigorous learning options cover core data analysis tools like SQL, Excel, and Tableau.

If you want to find learning options close to home, you can also search for live online or in-person data analytic courses with the help of Noble’s Classes Near Me tool. Over 340 courses are currently listed by Noble and other top educational providers in topics such as data visualization and data analytics, among others.