How to Become a Freelance Machine Learning Engineer in 2024

Machine learning is an extensive field that offers an array of professional paths, including freelancing. A freelancer is a self-employed professional who offers their expertise to multiple clients. As a result, they can work in virtually any field and for numerous clients at once. As a freelance Machine Learning Engineer, you would complete many of the same tasks as someone working in-house, but with the added flexibility of working on a schedule that suits your needs. There are many avenues to becoming a freelance professional and it generally pays off well professionally, personally, and financially.

Freelance vs. In-house Machine Learning Engineer

Freelance and in-house Machine Learning Engineers have the same roles and often work on similar projects, but they work in completely different environments and circumstances. Each has its advantages and disadvantages when considered for a career path. For example, freelancing offers a flexible schedule, autonomy, and variety, but lacks benefits like paid time off and health insurance plans. On the other hand, in-house Machine Learning Engineers have stable employment, a focused path, and team members to lean on for support, but they have far less freedom to explore different projects and fields as freelancers. Ultimately, it’s up to personal circumstance and preference whether you choose to become a freelancer or an in-house employee.

Benefits & Potential Challenges of Machine Learning Engineer Freelancing

Benefits

There are numerous benefits associated with freelancing as a Machine Learning Engineer. For instance, this position is rather lucrative regardless of which path you choose. However, as a freelancer, there is a potential for higher earnings since you can be employed by multiple clients at once. In addition, you have more control over scheduling and can work when it suits you throughout the week. This means you have more time to handle other responsibilities (such as cleaning your house) or taking time for yourself (like working out). Additionally, the ability to work remotely is a major perk for many who live in rural areas, have unreliable transportation, or otherwise can’t make it to an office.

Challenges

Despite these benefits, there are some challenges associated with freelancing. For instance, there may be issues like inconsistent income, particularly if there is a gap between contracts. In addition, you have to have incredible self-discipline and cannot be easily distracted. Plus, you have to manage yourself and operate as a business. These additional administrative-like responsibilities can take a toll and dwindle your momentum. For example, if you are not a strong marketing expert, you may have trouble eliciting your services to clients.

What is a Machine Learning Engineer?

A Machine Learning Engineer is a technical role that requires knowledge of artificial intelligence, mathematics, and data science. They are tasked with building and deploying machine learning systems that can automate tasks to make business operations easier. In addition, they manage those systems and continually update and enhance their models to maximize their efficiency. There are multiple skills a machine learning expert would have, including mathematics, analytics, coding, and communication. 

On an average workday, a Machine Learning Engineer will analyze data, develop models, and improve their previous systems. They will typically use their keen analytics skills to determine actionable insights that help make better decisions for the business. They will also document their progress to determine what collaborative efforts should be taken. Machine Learning Engineers work closely with similar professionals such as Data Scientists and Software Engineers.

Machine Learning Engineers can work in a traditional office setting and work on projects with others on the team or individually. However, they can also work remotely or in a hybrid setting, which requires some in-house work, such as attending meetings and other collaborative sessions. In addition, they can find freelance work and offer their skills to numerous clients for a short-term period. This career is expected to become increasingly necessary in the coming years as the reliance on data and technology grows.

What is Machine Learning Freelancing Like?

Machine Learning Engineers can work as freelancers and offer their skills in artificial intelligence, mathematics, data science, and machine learning to clients on a project-by-project basis. To find freelance opportunities in this field, you’ll want to start by exploring all your local possibilities. You can network at events and conferences to learn more about the industries and companies that hire freelancers. Next, it will be incredibly worthwhile to search online. Freelance websites allow you to create profiles, share your work with others, and easily market your skills to hopeful clients. In addition, you can set up a personal website where you display a digital resume and portfolio. When all else fails, you can search social media sites like LinkedIn or reach out to businesses directly for freelancing opportunities.

Because freelancing is a self-employed position, you will be tasked with handling all the business aspects of the job. You will have to market your services and operate as though you were a business, but there are additional aspects to consider. This may include negotiating contracts and dealing with legal matters. When collaborating with a client as a freelancer, you’ll want to define your area of expertise and see if it aligns with the client. Ensure that you have a clear idea of what your client’s deliverables, timelines, and expectations are so you can move forward with the contract. You can determine your pricing as well, but this is another point that can be discussed with clients.

After negotiating the terms of your contract, it’s important to stay in contact and communicate regularly with the client. Your client will consider you more trustworthy if you ask questions, clearly articulate your next steps, and keep them updated on your progress. Managing client relationships is one of the most crucial aspects of being a freelance professional as it ensures that you have a strong support network during and potentially after your contract is expired. Your clients can re-hire you for other projects or even refer you to other clients and companies. While freelancing involves a lot of self-promotion and reliance, it can pay off exponentially in the long run financially and professionally.

Is Machine Learning Freelancing Right for Me?

If you have ever considered working as a freelancer, you may have questions about the qualities and mindsets you’ll need to adopt to succeed. First, consider the benefits and drawbacks of freelancing, as they may determine whether you pursue this path or not. Most people are drawn to freelancing because it’s an incredibly flexible job. You can choose when you work and what projects you take on, which also allows for more diverse professional opportunities working with different clients, projects, and industries. In addition, many freelancers can earn more than a standard employee because they set their own schedules. However, this requires intense determination, developed time management skills, and continued promotion of your brand. There can be a lull in clients, so income can fluctuate depending on how effectively you market your services. Plus, some people prefer to work with others and build connections with team members. While freelancers can build strong connections with clients, it is less likely they will do so with temporary colleagues.

Freelancers typically have a self-motivated and proactive mindset that enables them to adapt to frequent changes and balance their clients' varying needs. In addition, they are adept communicators, often staying in close contact with clients and stakeholders who need regular updates on the project and its timeline to completion. A successful freelancer will have a business-driven mindset and a strong desire to continually improve and learn more. If this sounds like you or like something you aspire to become, then freelancing may be the right path for you to take as opposed to a traditional in-house position.

Steps to Become a Freelance Machine Learning Engineer

You will want to take a few key steps to become a Machine Learning Engineer. First, you’ll want to sharpen your mathematical skills in subjects like linear algebra, statistics, calculus, and probability theory. You will also want to learn myriad programming languages, such as R, Python, and Java. Beyond the specific skills, you’ll want to understand the theory and fundamentals behind machine learning, such as neural networks and deep learning architectures. Above all else, you’ll want to find a reputable training method from which to learn these essential skills.

Taking individual classes, bootcamps, or certificate courses in machine learning is one of the best ways to learn these skills. Not only are they flexible and easily accessible, they provide students with practical experience that will translate easily in the workplace. Enrolling in online courses like those at Noble Desktop allows you to explore different topics, gain base-level skills in relevant subjects, and practice the day-to-day tasks of a machine learning expert firsthand. The hands-on projects you complete in class will give you a glimpse into the field, and you’ll feel supported throughout with the help of an expert instructor. You can choose between lengthy courses or short courses, as well as beginner and advanced levels. This is truly one of the best ways to learn because the courses are customizable to your needs and help you develop professionally.

Noble Desktop offers certificate courses, bootcamps, and short courses on myriad subjects relevant to machine learning. You can explore certificates in data science and generative artificial intelligence or bootcamps in specific coding languages such as Python. In addition, their short courses range in subject matter and are typically completed within a day or so. Noble Desktop also offers students different benefits such as payment plans and the choice between full-time and part-time instruction.

Learn Business Skills

Beyond mastering the essential machine learning skills, freelance professionals need to learn business skills to help them succeed in the competitive market. As a freelancer, you will handle the regular business operations including finances, marketing, and contracts. This requires you to learn a little more about business and how you can easily promote your capabilities. Even those who intend to hire consultants or seek out recruiters should learn a little about business practices so they can take over if ever necessary. Truly, becoming a well-rounded freelancer requires wearing several hats and performing different functions outside of your traditional job role.

Learn the Skills to Become a Machine Learning Engineer at Noble Desktop

If you are interested in becoming a Machine Learning Engineer, there are many ways to start your journey. Notably, you can explore certificate programs at reputable training centers such as Noble Desktop. Their Data Science Certificate covers all the necessary skills to become a data science professional, which is the field where machine learning practices are regularly applied. Specifically, students will learn relevant coding languages, automation, machine learning, data analysis, and predictive modeling skills. Throughout this 114-hour course, students will learn how to clean, balance, and apply machine learning algorithms to data sets with scikit-learn. In addition, they will practice analyzing data with Python libraries like NumPy and Pandas. By the end of the course, students will be able to automate everyday tasks and utilize their skills in the data science field. Noble Desktop provides students with additional benefits to support them through their learning journey. In this course, students can access 1-on-1 mentoring sessions, a free retake, and various payment plans. Upon completion, they will earn a verified digital certificate that displays their mastery of the material.

Likewise, Noble Desktop offers a Software Engineering Certificate where machine learning skills and relevant information will be discussed. In this certificate course, students will learn to use Python and Django for machine learning algorithms and task automation. In addition to Python, they will learn to build the front end of a webpage with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, which all add interactive functionality. This course also gives students the exposure and experience they need to develop a professional portfolio with their completed projects. Over 510 total hours, students can access myriad benefits like a course retake, bonus mentoring sessions, and an additional elective course, all at no extra cost. Once the students complete the program, they will earn their verified certificate to show for all their accomplishments.

To gain more knowledge of artificial intelligence for business purposes, consider the Generative AI Certificate from Noble Desktop. In this 78-hour course, students will learn how to utilize artificial intelligence in different work settings and for varying reasons. For instance, students will learn how artificial intelligence can help automate workplace tasks or quickly analyze large data sets. The instructor will guide students through projects that leverage artificial intelligence for different marketing strategies and help create high-quality marketing designs. This course does not require any previous coding experience and is solely meant to delve deeper into the larger implications of artificial intelligence and its usefulness in the workplace. Through hands-on projects, students will gain the necessary experience to apply the skills in their field. Students can retake the course anytime within a year of their original enrollment at no additional cost. Plus, Noble Desktop will award students with a digital certificate once the course ends.