How to Become a Freelance Data Analyst

What is Freelance Data Analytics?

Data Analysts are tasked with taking huge stores of data and working to locate information and trends about past and current practices, as well as offer predictions about what is likely to happen at a company or business based on these numbers. They transform large sets of data into engaging visualizations that are accessible to all members of a team or business. These clear and engaging visual aids can be used to help employers make sound business decisions.

Data Analysts work in a variety of fields, from the healthcare industry to retail to Wall Street.

The need for skilled Data Analysts is currently high and expected to continue to grow as additional data is created. More than ever, there’s a demand for qualified Data Analysts to enter the workforce. A great way to enter this profession is to pursue a career as a Freelance Data Analyst.

Freelance Data Analysts work in a variety of industries, but do so as independent business owners. This means that instead of being employed by a company or organization that supplies them with projects on a regular basis, freelancers are tasked with finding their own clients, as well as managing their time, billing, and other variables.

This article will explore some tips to help you be a successful Freelance Data Analysts, as well as some of the benefits and drawbacks of this line of work.

Tips for Becoming a Freelance Data Analyst

Those who aspire to be Freelance Data Analysts typically have the same training and skills as in-house Data Analysts, such as technical knowledge, an educational background in math and statistics, experience with data visualization, and good communication skills. However, in order to be successful in a freelance capacity, they must also bring other skills to the table:

• It’s essential for Freelance Data Analysts to be extremely well-organized. This involves keeping scrupulous records of work completed, the time it took to do so, and looming project deadlines.
• Creating your own workspace is vital for freelancers. This may mean budgeting a weekly allowance for coffee at the local shop, or even transforming part of your own home into a quiet work environment. By setting aside a part of your house as an office, it helps to establish a place for work and is likely to increase your productivity. In addition, sometimes this space can be a tax write-off. Regardless of the location, it’s important that it is quiet, has a comfortable seating arrangement, and has a good internet connection.
• Self-motivation is another key component of being a successful freelancer, regardless of industry focus. Being able to motivate yourself to complete work amid home, family, and life distractions is a huge benefit.
• Time management is essential for Freelance Data Analysts. It ensures that projects are completed on time, which can take weeks or even months of regular work. For those who like to procrastinate or wait till the last minute to complete tasks, freelancing can be quite a challenge.
• Self-promotion and networking skills are also a plus for Freelance Data Analysts. By reaching out to others, sharing your portfolio, and maintaining an online presence, it’s much easier to keep up a regular workflow.
• Freelance Data Analysts must establish a rate of pay that’s acceptable for their own needs. While this value is likely to change as you progress in your career, having an idea of how much your services are worth is important, as it helps decide which projects to take and which to pass on. Because there’s currently a high demand for qualified Data Analysts, there is no need to settle for low-paying work, especially if you have years of experience under your belt. In addition, those with more specialized skills and training, such as a background in Python or cloud computing, can likely receive higher-paying work than those who are new to the field.
• Negotiation is often an essential component of deciding on a rate of pay for freelance work. Don’t be discouraged if there is a back-and-forth as you negotiate pay rates with your employer.
• It’s helpful for Freelance Data Analysts to join online communities such as Kaggle and Upwork. Kaggle is an online community that was created for Data Scientists. This platform provides various types of competition among Data Scientists and allows users to connect with clients and win cash prizes. Upwork is a platform especially for freelancers. Millions of users around the globe use this service to find freelance work. There are currently more than 2,000 Upwork listings for Freelance Data Analysts.

Benefits of Being a Freelance Data Analyst

Working as a Freelance Data Analyst has many advantages. The following are just a few of the perks that await those pursuing this line of work:

• Freelance work is unique in that it allows you to be your own boss, largely decide the hours you work, and even where you work. As long as you meet deadlines, you can do so from anywhere in the country or world, and can choose a schedule that’s most suited to your lifestyle and professional aspirations.
• Because you can work for clients across the globe, there are ample freelancing opportunities available for those with the proper qualifications and commitment.
• Working as a Freelance Data Analyst can lead to a full-time job in some instances. When you demonstrate that you are a consistently reliable employee, they may elect to extend your contract or even bring you on board for a more permanent position.
• One of the main benefits of freelance jobs is there is no busy work. You are typically paid more by the hour than you may make in-house, but this pay bump comes with the understanding that each hour of work is dedicated solely to the project at hand.

Challenges of Being a Freelance Data Analyst

While there are many incentives to working as a Freelance Data Analyst, there are a few drawbacks to consider as well:

• Finding your first client is often the hardest part of working as a Freelance Data Analyst. It can take many tries and project bids to land your first gig. However, the good news is that once you do, it gets much easier to get subsequent work. Word of mouth, positive reviews on your work, and also a portfolio of completed projects are all helpful in climbing the freelance ladder.
• Although some freelance jobs provide regular, guaranteed work for months or even years, this is not always the case. Because a lot of freelance work is on a project-by-project basis, it can be difficult at times for Freelance Data Analysts to predict workflow. This can lead to busy periods followed by ebbs in work. For this reason, it’s essential for those working as freelancers to continue to market themselves, maintain an online presence, and keep an up-to-date portfolio of recently completed work to have on standby for when new job opportunities occur.
• It can be isolating to work alone. While some prefer the independence of this career path, for others it can be a challenge.
• Most Freelance Data Analytic positions don’t offer the benefits that come with full-time, in-house work, such as health insurance, dental insurance, and contributions to 401K plans. It’s important to budget accordingly.
• It can be difficult at times to complete work when real-life distractions occur. This is why Freelance Data Analysts must be self-motivated enough to meet deadlines on their own volition without having a boss present to consistently monitor progress.

Although freelance data analytics isn’t for everyone, it provides a great way to make a living for those who are self-motivated, organized, and enjoy being their own boss.

Hands-On Data Analytics Classes

There are many exciting learning options available for those who are interested in studying data analytics. These courses provide industry-relevant job training that can open many professional doors for Freelance Data Analysts, as well as anyone working with data. For those who want to learn more about how to process, analyze, and ultimately visualize big data, Noble Desktop’s data analytics classes are a great starting point. Courses are offered in New York City, as well as in the live online format in topics like Excel, Python, data science, and data analytics technologies, among others.

In addition, more than 170 live online data analytics courses are also available in data analytics and visualization from top providers. Topics offered include FinTech, Excel for Business, and Tableau, among others. Courses range from three hours to nine months and cost from $229 to $60,229.

Additionally, Noble’s Data Analytics Classes Near Me tool provides an easy way to locate and browse approximately 400 data analytics classes currently offered in in-person and live online formats. Course lengths vary from three hours to nine months and cost $119-$60,229.