Data Science & Machine Learning Freelancer Part 1: Which Platform Should You Choose?

TL;DR

Upwork is the speaker’s preferred platform for starting a data science and machine learning freelancing career in 2018. It offers dozens of new jobs each day, hourly and fixed-price work, recurring payments, useful job filters, and some payment protection. Compared with Freelancer.com and Fiverr, it also appears to offer higher pay and less competition. Read on for the specific platform comparisons and selection criteria.

Transcript

welcome back everybody to the machine learning lab in this series we're going to talk about how you can get started in freelancing and machine learning and data science in 2018 how does it even possibly say is there even a market for data science and machine learning services in the freelancing arena yes yes sir is in fact I myself I'm working as a... Read More

Key Insights

• 🎰 There is a market for freelancing in machine learning and data science in 2018.
• ✋ Upwork is a recommended platform for finding high-paying jobs in these fields due to its features and high demand.
• 😘 Freelancer and Fiverr have lower pay rates and limitations that may not be ideal for freelancers.
• 👻 Fewer competitors on Upwork can allow freelancers to stand out and secure better-paying projects.
• 🌍 Freelancers from developing nations can earn a sustainable income in machine learning and data science on Upwork.
• 📪 Red flags in client interactions should be carefully considered to avoid negative experiences.
• 🚱 Upwork offers payment options, protection against non-payment, and filters for job preferences.

Questions & Answers

Q: Which platform should a data science and machine learning freelancer choose?

The speaker recommends Upwork over Fiverr and Freelancer.com, while acknowledging that this assessment is biased by personal experience with Upwork. The reasons include plentiful job listings, flexible payment arrangements, detailed job information, some payment protection, higher wages, and relatively low competition.

Q: Are machine learning and data science freelance jobs available on Upwork?

Yes. A search shown in the video returns many machine learning jobs, and the speaker says dozens are posted every day. Listings also provide details such as experience level, estimated timeline, budget, and whether the work is hourly or fixed-price.

Q: What payment options does Upwork offer freelancers?

Upwork supports hourly work, project-based work, and recurring payments. It also has a payment protection plan that provides freelancers with some protection if a client attempts not to pay, although the speaker notes that the platform is structured around its paying clients.

Q: Why does the speaker prefer Upwork to Freelancer.com?

The Freelancer.com listings shown have low bids and substantial competition, including examples with 18 and 26 bids. By contrast, the speaker says an Upwork job application typically competes with no more than about 10 other applicants, making it easier to stand out.

Q: What pay rates does the speaker observe on Freelancer.com?

The speaker points to a $6-per-hour bid and says that rate may be good in a country with a low cost of living but is not attractive in the United States. A $1,500 fixed-price bid is also described as extremely low for a fairly large project.

Q: Why does the speaker advise caution with Fiverr?

The speaker says Fiverr appears geared toward clients rather than freelancers and notes that freelancers cannot search jobs in the same way. The displayed starting prices, $20, $30, $50, and $150, with discussion of work as low as $10, are considered too low for many machine learning and data science tasks.

Q: How should a freelancer define a project before starting work?

The speaker prefers laying out the entire arrangement at the beginning through a detailed proposal, milestones, and clear expectations. This lets the client know what will be delivered and lets the freelancer understand what is expected while seeking a higher wage.

Q: Can Upwork provide sustainable income for data science freelancers in developing nations?

The speaker says freelancers from places such as Pakistan and India can make $30, $40, or $50 through Upwork, describing that as good money both locally and in the United States. On that basis, the speaker considers Upwork capable of supporting a living while helping someone begin a machine learning and data science freelance career.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The video discusses the availability of freelance jobs for machine learning and data science experts in 2018.

• The speaker recommends using Upwork as the best platform for finding high-paying jobs and explains its features and benefits.

• The video compares other platforms like Freelancer and Fiverr, highlighting their limitations and lower pay rates.