How to work on Freelance opportunities as an ex-consultant?

Question

Hi experts, I'd like to learn from your experience. As I'm currently on a career break, I would like to work on freelance strategy consulting works for a short period (c.3-5 months), mainly to sharpen my skill set and accumulate professional experience instead of doing freelance for the long term. A few questions to seek your practical advice:

1. What would be your suggested websites and resources to find freelance work? Would Linkedin be a good choice?

I've found a few websites, but some are not very “professional” in a way that daily rates are very low and are crowded with many amateur freelancers who don't have relevant work experience. Ideally, I would prefer a platform that is focusing on matching corporates with freelance strategy consultants.

2. Generally speaking, is it hard to win a project or get staffed within a broader team? What would be a feasible “win rate”?

I come from a tier 2 strategy consulting background with 3 years of experience post-MBA. As I'm focusing more on accumulating experience, I'm not picky about the daily rate and project/client type. Would be interesting to work for a small company / startup even at a low rate.

3. For freelance consultants, would companies typically require you to have a work permit in the country?

Checked a few roles and was quite surprised that the roles require you to be in the client's office once in a while, and would require a working visa. This would be a barrier to applying for a wider range of opportunities outside of my country.

Thank you for your suggestions!

Answer 1

1. Expert 360 is one of the most common networks I have come across. Another is Makeen Advisors.

2. It can certainly be competitive to win projects, especially in consulting where there are typically many qualified candidates. However, with your experience and willingness to take on a variety of projects and clients, you may find that you have a relatively high win rate

3. Yes, speaking from experience of colleagues in the Middle East, they were required to obtain a freelancer visa to provide their services in the UAE as an example.

Answer 2

I know a guy :D

Drop me a DM and I'll put you in touch with him directly.

He leads consultant acquisitions for a company that acts as a middleman between companies/consulting firms and freelance/ex-consultants.

Answer 3

Hi there,

It takes time and requires some networking as well as responding to LinkedIn messages from headhunters (of course, filter out bad ones).

1. What would be your suggested websites and resources to find freelance work? Would Linkedin be a good choice?

Definitely LinkedIn. There are so many consulting shops out there willing to hire.

2. Generally speaking, is it hard to win a project or get staffed within a broader team? What would be a feasible “win rate”?

It's “impossible” to “win” a project on your own. Rather, you'd want to be hired as part of a project that one of the consulting/contracting shops already won.

3. For freelance consultants, would companies typically require you to have a work permit in the country?

It's going to depend. Most probably won't, but you may have to have insurance and you absolutely will have to “show” you're a professional.

Answer 4

Hi,

In addition to what others have suggested - depending on your region - you could also try other platforms like movemeon / outsized. They are definitely more professional and curated vs Upwork etc.

All the best!

Answer 5

Hi there,

interesting question - apologies for cutting your detailed questions short, but feel free to connect with DM to have a chat.

Will be able to explain the details and, depending on your CV and location/mobility, might be able to help you generate some concrete leads as certain firms / ex-colleagues keep approaching me to find suitable contractors. Hence, happy to help.

Regards, Andi