Working as a data analyst in a freelancing capacity has many benefits, including setting your own hours and choosing who you take on as clients. You can also work from home and help companies in a range of industries. If becoming a freelance data analyst sounds like something you would like to learn more about, this guide will help you embark on this career path.
First, let’s start by explaining what freelance data analysis involves, so you have a good idea of what your work would involve, day in and day out.
A Day in the Life of a Freelance Data Analyst
A key part of your job will be a statistical analysis of datasets to find ways to improve, typically for businesses who want to make smarter decisions about their product line, marketing, and sales. You can expect to use modeling and predictive analytics techniques to gather insights and find solutions.
As a business owner, you will find clients and handle your rates, billing, and accounting. The ability to work remotely makes this a position of interest to many people. The ability to create your schedule and to find a healthy balance between the professional and personal parts of your life can be very attractive prospects.
The Skills You Need to Succeed in This Career
Having a firm understanding of data analysis is certainly necessary for success in this career, as are other skills that might not come as readily to mind. Among the skills that will set you apart from others are:
- Social networking skills
- Marketing competencies
- Budgeting
- Sales techniques
In addition, you will have a strong aptitude for analyzing, modeling, and interpreting data, as well as planning and meeting deadlines. Your math skills will also be highly developed.
These entrepreneurial strengths will help you secure contracts as a freelance data analyst and have the relevant educational background. Having an online statistics degree prepares you for high-paying freelance contracts that focus on statistics and data science.
By the time you graduate from a master’s degree program in applied statistics, you will have in-depth knowledge of datasets to help problem-solve for businesses in many different sectors. You will gain familiarity with leading software and tools, such as Python and SAS, and become a better leader and communicator to get you further in this career.
Job Outlook after Graduation
As you embark on the chosen career path after graduation, you can expect to apply to job boards as a work-from-home data analyst. Your next gig could be a short-term or long-term one, depending on what you desire, and it is empowering to know that people value the skills that you developed while at school.
To attract more data analysis jobs, develop your online reputation. For example, create a compelling LinkedIn profile, as well as your own website to offer services there and describe both your education and experience.
As you get more freelance jobs, ask those who hire you to write a short review about their experience working with you, which you can then post to your website to help showcase your skills. Posting positive reviews will also show that you are trustworthy.
Also, consider joining Facebook groups for remote workers to connect with others who are freelancers and stay abreast of opportunities. You might make connections there who refer you to job openings or provide helpful advice when starting out.
Where You Can Expect to Find Work
In the data analysis profession, you can expect to work for a range of organizations. They can include banks, consulting firms, educational institutions, software developers, social media companies, and private sector businesses.
Analyst positions are in-demand, according to predictions. For example, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates market research analyst positions growing by 20% by the year 2028. Thus, you can feel confident while at school that there are many work opportunities available, rather than wondering if you will find a job after graduation.
When you apply to jobs, find ways to share about your master’s degree in applied statistics so that employers know that you bring a lot of knowledge to the table, including understanding several programming languages. Showcase your strong written communication and verbal skills during the hiring process to help others see the value you bring to the table.
Final Words on Working as a Freelance Data Analyst
Now you have a good understanding of how to become a freelance data analyst, from education to work experience. As you gain more contracts, you will establish yourself as an experienced analyst in your chosen industry and attract more job offers. Now you can look forward to building an exciting career!
Samantha Acuna is a writer based in San Francisco, CA. Her work has been featured in The Huffington Post, Entrepreneur.com, and Yahoo Small Business.
Disclaimer: The content on this page is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or accounting advice. If you have specific questions about any of these topics, seek the counsel of a licensed professional.
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