How to Freelance as a Data Scientist

Asking successful freelancers how they do it

Freelancing (in data science) offers incredible flexibility, autonomy, and high earning potential. But starting can be daunting, especially if transitioning from a traditional job or new to the field.

Last year, I sat down with three seasoned freelancers — Nick Gallo, Matteo Hoch, and Dimitri Visnadi — who, between them, have made millions of dollars freelancing over the past few years. Here, I recap the key insights from the conversation.

Photo by Austin Distel on Unsplash

Meet the Panelists

• Nick Gallo: A top 1% freelancer on Upwork. He transitioned from a research role at MIT’s Lincoln Lab to freelance work after earning his Ph.D. in Computer Science from UC Irvine.
• Matteo Hoch: He started as a data engineer at companies like Capital One before becoming a freelancer. Recently, he moved into financial planning, helping freelancers manage their finances.
• Dimitri Visnadi: With a blend of business and technical skills, Dimitri transitioned from marketing analytics to data analytics freelancing. He now runs “The Data Freelancer,” a resource for aspiring freelancers.