Upwork survival guide for developers work-in-progress

written by Tornike Onoprishvili

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This guide is useful for you if:

Here's what you want

Your goals, as a freelance developer

Post / Proposal examples

ML Developer job

UK-based, Cutting-edge Sport Technology company is looking for a Python Machine Learning Engineer to develop a machine learning model for their innovative technology to evolve autonomously. This person will develop image processing algorithms and enhance the AI platform while being involved in the full lifecycle development of projects and building complex tools.

Essential skills:

  • An expert in ML libraries, ML algorithms and techniques
  • Expert in Python/Pytorch
  • Demonstrable experience in solving complex problems
  • Independent thinker whose able to tackle complex problems and push boundaries to solve them
  • Ability to coach and mentor junior members of the computer vision team
  • This role requires 40 hours per week.

Appropriate proposal

Hey. I've worked as a full-stack ML engineer for projects like serverless stable diffusion https://tornikeo.github.io/projects/serverless_diffusion/ and web-based pose estimation https://tornikeo.github.io/projects/pose_estim/. Can create working products given just business objectives and funding.

Let's have a meeting to see if I'm the right fit for this,

All the best,

TornikeO

https://tornikeo.github.io/

Analysis

Links to your work are the single most importnt thing to get the client to sit down.

Be quick! a client gets lots of offers, they only have time to read the first 10 words or so.

Always suggest to "have a quick meeting" in the end - if client is interested, that's the first most likely thing to do, either way.

Outcomes

542 hours, $30,500.00 earned

Notes:
  • During initial meeting I walked the interviewer through applications I developed for showcase, and some past projects that had flashy visuals (interviewers are rarely tech people, so visuals are a must)
  • Work actually never required a 40 hours full-time commitment
  • Work didn't actually require an expert - they just needed provable experience (which just means having links to your work).
  • First project was closely related to "stable diffusion". The client wanted an SD GUI built on SDUI
  • Later projects ranged from writing CUDA kernels for metabolomics to making a robot brain for automatic nanomaterial assembly. Wild stuff!

TensorFlow pair programmer tf.js

I'm building a model using TensorFlow.js - https://www.tensorflow.org/js The model is for predicting used cars prices.

I have a training set and want to train a model based on that set.

I have trouble to make it work and need someone with experiance to pair program it with me.

We will debug it together via zoom

what is expected?

  • Excellent English communication
  • patience, and ability to explain what is wrong and what should be done

Tutoring experience is a bonus

Should take 1 - 5 hours to make it work. and maybe we will work together on improving it.

Appropriate proposal

Hey,

Here's my showcase project with TFJS, on my CV website: https://tornikeo.github.io/projects/1_project/ There's another one as well, still WIP. See this post: https://www.reddit.com/r/MachineLearning/comments/u2vphr/p_image_restoration_using_swin_transformer_in/

Don't hesitate to reach out f you feel like I could help you.

Cheers,

TornikeO

Analysis

Links to your work - in this case, I applied for this job, because I had a very similar project already done.

Be quick - Begin with "Here's my XYZ showcase project that I did. It's very similar!". If your project is even vaguely related to the posting, you will most likely get an offer

Outcomes

34 hours, $1,776.25 earned

Notes:
  • Initial meeting was the client showing me their project and me nitpicking it - turns out, having even one project done in a similar field as the posting will give useful insights that you can then share!
  • I believe my English pronounciation and not having a strong accent definitely helped. People get annoyed easily when you don't speak straight.

Prompt Engineer and Python Expert

Long job post, click here to expand

ViaEurope is a rapidly growing technology company specializing in AI-driven logistics and customs solutions. We are revolutionizing the industry by leveraging artificial intelligence, machine learning, and vast data sets to optimize processes, improve efficiency, and enhance the overall customer experience. We are currently expanding our AI team and looking for a talented and motivated Prompt Engineers with strong Python skills to join our innovative team.

As a Prompt Engineer at ViaEurope, you will be at the forefront of developing and optimizing prompt engineering solutions to enhance the performance of our AI models, driving innovation within the logistics and customs industry. You will work closely with a multidisciplinary team of data scientists, machine learning engineers, and domain experts to create cutting-edge AI-driven applications that have a tangible impact on our day-to-day operations.

Responsibilities:

Design, implement, and optimize prompt engineering solutions to enhance the performance of AI models in logistics and customs applications. Develop and maintain scalable, efficient, and robust Python codebases for prompt engineering and related tasks. Collaborate closely with the AI team to understand project requirements and propose innovative solutions that address real-world challenges in logistics and customs. Perform thorough testing and debugging to ensure the quality, reliability, and scalability of prompt engineering solutions. Stay up-to-date with the latest developments in AI, machine learning, and prompt engineering to drive continuous innovation. Create clear and concise technical documentation to support knowledge sharing within the team. Participate in code reviews and provide constructive feedback to peers, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.

Requirements:

Proven experience in Python programming with a strong understanding of data structures, algorithms, and design patterns. Familiarity with AI, natural language processing, and machine learning concepts, particularly in the context of logistics and customs. Experience with GPT or similar AI language models is a plus. Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with the ability to tackle complex challenges. Excellent communication and collaboration skills. Ability to work independently and within a dynamic team environment that encourages growth and innovation. What We Offer:

Opportunity to work on challenging, real-world projects that are redefining the future of logistics and customs. Support for professional development and continuous learning in a culture that encourages growth, collaboration, and innovation. Flexible work environment, with the option to work remotely. A diverse and inclusive company culture that values creativity, passion, and teamwork.

To apply we have a test case;

  • - Create a simple ViaEurope Knowledge Base chatbot for use in both a webapp and in SLACK
  • - Use some form of AI to build the VE Knowledge base
  • - Use the documents that are in text format available (several hundreds)
  • - Have the chatbot answer in natural language in both the webapp and in SLACK
  • To build this test case, we will of course pay all hours spend on the project. Basedon the results we will decide together if we continue on a long term project.

We are very much looking forward to your approach and reaction and exploring the possibility of joining the ViaEurope AI team!!

Appropriate proposal

Hey. I've hacked together this LangChain pdf summarizer in one evening (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=koCmHr7V0MI). I've also worked extensively with StableDiffusion+LoRa tuning for Dreambooth personalization (see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RdUAaRagIjQ). My full portfolio is hosted here: https://tornikeo.github.io/projects/

I think we should start with a quick chat. Also, a few more details about the "testing" chatbot would be nice.

All the best,

TornikeO

https://github.com/tornikeo

Analysis

Read the job, find a past project (even a hobby project will do), and link it. Even the simple stuff works wonderfully!

If you don't have a past related project, try to get one done by yourself. It will win you a lot of money in the end.

Outcomes

75 hours, $4,842.50 earned

Notes:
  • First meeting was a competition. Client hired 3 freelancers (me including) and all of us made a sample chatbot (everything UI + brains).
  • Personally, I believe others' UIs looked cleaner. But, I additionally provided some thorough explanations (especially the shortcomings!)
  • I think the explanations are what got me this job - other guys didn't explain details, I did, so I believe this led the client to choose me in the end.