How to Get Started as a Freelance Researcher
A freelance researcher spends his or her working hours conducting thorough research on a specific subject and summarizing important information that will be useful to the client. Freelance researchers are hired by magazines, publishing houses, scientists, online portals, journalists, and corporate houses to gather authentic information on projects they are working on. It’s an ideal job if you are comfortable handling a large volume of data. Flexible working hours and the need for minimal educational qualifications are the advantages of this profession. To get started as a freelance researcher, regard the following tips.
Acquire the Necessary Skills
There is no specific educational requirement for becoming a freelance researcher. However, if you are targeting a specific industry, then a degree or training to prove your ability in that field is necessary. For example, if you want to become a marketing researcher, then a degree in a business related course or a short term course in marketing will be helpful. Here are certain qualities and prerequisites you need to take care of, irrespective of your area of expertise:
A bachelor’s degree in any field.
24/7 accessibility to the internet to keep the clients updated on your progress in the research.
Eye for detail and the ability to extract just the information that is necessary.
Accessibility to various databases and sources that provide information on a specific topic that you’re working on.
Strong language skills to understand the information and present them in a manner that is suitable for the project.
Basic knowledge about certain computer applications that will aid in the research process.
Start Applying for Jobs
After you have acquired the necessary skills, you need to look for opportunities through as many sources as possible. The Internet is the best source to get started as a freelance researcher. Register yourself on web portals that offer assignments for entry level freelance researchers. The key to increase your chances is by creating a compelling profile that will grab the attention of the employers. While bidding on the assignments, make your proposal clear and concise. Make sure you explain to them the details regarding your experience, education, the time frame within which you can complete the research along with the pricing information.
Nature of Work
Although the working hours are usually flexible, you might have to confirm the deadline and submission details with your client beforehand. Some of the typical tasks of a freelance researcher are:
Reading thoroughly the project specifications provided by the client.
Determining what sources might be apt to provide information regarding the specific subject.
Researching for information from various databases and sorting it according to the category under which it falls.
Reading through the information gathered and summarizing and archiving it for the final submission.
Taking care of billing and other details of the job.
Compensation
A freelance researcher starts his career with an hourly wage of $15-$25. However, as experience and ability to handle advanced projects increases, the wages increase too.