Section 1.1: Writing as a Revenue Stream

A substantial part of my earnings comes from writing online. I create tutorials, share tips, and offer advice on data science. My blogging journey began on Medium in May 2020. After building a following on the platform, I began receiving requests from companies to write freelance content. Over the past two years, I have authored various blog posts, tutorials, whitepapers, and SEO articles for six different organizations.

Takeaways: a) Begin Writing You don’t need to be an expert to start sharing your knowledge. According to Rachel Thomas, co-founder of Fast.AI, you are ideally positioned to assist someone at a similar level to where you once were. Since the concepts are fresh in your mind, you can simplify and explain them better than seasoned experts who may have forgotten the learning curve.

b) Promote Yourself To thrive as a content creator, you must actively market yourself. Develop a captivating LinkedIn profile and share your articles there. Regular posting, joining data science groups, and connecting with industry professionals will enhance your visibility and boost your blog traffic, increasing opportunities for paid writing assignments.

Section 1.2: Harnessing Affiliate Marketing

During my self-education in data science, I enrolled in numerous online courses on platforms like Udemy, Coursera, and Datacamp. I often recommended these courses to colleagues seeking guidance on entering the data science field. Eventually, I realized I could monetize these recommendations through affiliate marketing, where I earn a commission for every course purchased via my referral link.

Takeaways: Get Paid for Your Recommendations Previously, I shared learning resources in most of my blog posts without any financial incentive. Now, with affiliate links, I earn money for doing the same. While my earnings are modest (around $100-$200 monthly), affiliate marketing can be a significant revenue stream for many bloggers. Just ensure you promote products you’ve personally used and disclose your affiliate relationships transparently.

The first video, "9 Data Science Projects That Will Generate Income," explores various data science projects that can help you generate additional income while you learn.

Section 1.3: Engaging in Market Research

While it may seem unconventional, conducting market research can be a lucrative way to earn as a data scientist. My first full-time role was in marketing analytics, where I utilized data science techniques to enhance customer targeting strategies. An article I wrote on applying data science in marketing attracted the attention of a potential employer, leading to a freelance opportunity.

Takeaways: a) Identify Your Niche Having worked in marketing analytics, I understand the challenges within the sector and how to address them using data. This specialization made me a strong candidate for the freelance role. If you’re a budding data scientist, I recommend focusing on a particular niche, whether it’s finance, healthcare, or another area you’re passionate about.

b) Establish an Online Presence I secured my freelance role because the employer discovered my Medium profile while searching for expertise. Building a portfolio website that showcases your skills can attract potential clients and employers. Ensure to link this site on platforms like LinkedIn.

Section 1.4: Developing Courses and Workshops

I have hosted workshops covering topics such as data collection and analytics, aimed at teaching non-technical students. Preparing for these sessions required significant effort, as I needed to master the concepts thoroughly. Teaching solidified my understanding and enhanced my ability to convey complex topics to beginners.

Takeaways: Share Your Knowledge Although I’m not an expert, my journey has equipped me to teach those eager to learn. For instance, I can share insights on data literacy for marketers or introduce data scientists to marketing analytics, helping them gain domain knowledge. Even if you’re still learning, you can earn by sharing your experiences and unique skill set.

Platforms like YouTube, Udemy, Pluralsight, and Thinkific are excellent for creating and sharing online courses.

The second video, "PROVEN Income Ideas for Data Analysts and Data Scientists," provides insights into effective income-generating strategies for data professionals.

Section 1.5: Exploring Freelance Opportunities

I also engage in freelance projects related to data collection, model building, and dashboard creation. While many freelancers rely on platforms like Upwork and Fiverr, I found most of my opportunities through Medium, LinkedIn, and my own website. Some articles that led to freelance gigs include:

• Customer Segmentation with Python: Developed a K-Means clustering model for a client.
• How to Collect Twitter Data with Python: Guided a client on using a Python API for data collection.
• A Complete Data Analytics Project with Python: Conducted a competitive analysis for a client’s product.

Takeaways: Build Projects Employers seeking freelancers often look for individuals with relevant project experience. Regularly creating and showcasing your projects can increase your visibility and chances of being hired.