I work in Eastern Europe as a digital analytics specialist at a large corporation. Our small team of 5 people handles data needs for about 300 business users across different departments like marketing, product development, and HR.
My daily work includes setting up Google Analytics implementations, troubleshooting tracking issues with our development team, and creating detailed reports for business decisions. Recently I’ve been focusing heavily on GDPR compliance since privacy regulations are super strict here. I’ve become pretty good at handling cookie consent systems, legal disclaimers, and making sure our data collection follows all the rules.
I also work with our data engineers to move Google Analytics data into our data warehouse and I’m cleaning up old tracking setups that weren’t documented properly. The company wants to switch to GA4 next year so this cleanup work is really important.
I use tools like Google Analytics, Google Tag Manager, Python, Facebook Ads, Google Ads, Data Studio, and sometimes Tableau. For side projects I also know Mixpanel.
Now I’m thinking about my next career move. I want more flexibility in where I work. I see two options: join a big consulting company like Accenture or Deloitte, or spend a few months learning more skills like experiment design and Snowflake, then become an independent consultant helping small businesses with their analytics setup.
I tested the waters by posting in a local business group offering analytics help and got 5 responses in 2 hours, so there seems to be demand.
Basically I’m a senior analyst specializing in Google Analytics, privacy compliance, and some data engineering. Should I go with an established firm or try independent consulting focused on smaller companies? Any other career ideas are welcome too.
Here’s what most analytics pros miss - start consulting on the side while you’re still employed. Work evenings and weekends. Your corporate job keeps paying the bills while you test if there’s real demand for what you do. SMEs in Eastern Europe are scrambling for GA4 migration help before universal analytics dies - that’s your window. Give it 6-12 months and you’ll have actual client testimonials, better service packages, and real revenue numbers. Way less risky than jumping straight into either option. I know tons of successful consultants who did this bridge thing. You’ll learn fast if you can handle finding clients, managing projects, and dealing with unpredictable income - all without burning your current bridges. If freelancing sucks, you can still go the consultancy route later, except now you’ve got hands-on experience that makes firms like Deloitte want you more.
Why not do both? Jump on freelancing now while you’ve got momentum, then team up with consultancies for the bigger stuff later. Growing Eastern European businesses are dying for affordable GDPR expertise - you’re sitting on exactly what they need!
With your GDPR and analytics background, I’d go the consultancy route first. Here’s why: Eastern European markets are going through massive digital transformation right now, and big companies are scrambling for consultants who understand both technical analytics and local privacy rules. Your GA4 migration and compliance experience? That’s invaluable right now. Consider spending 18-24 months at a leading firm like Accenture. You’ll gain exposure to enterprise-level projects across various industries, learn client management, adopt advanced techniques, and build an extensive network that would be difficult to establish independently. This experience will help you discover which aspects of consulting you enjoy most. After solidifying your foundation, transitioning to independent consulting will be more feasible. You’ll have genuine case studies, clarity on what services to offer, and the ability to charge premium rates with confidence. The responses you’ve received from local businesses indicate there is indeed market potential, but having the credibility of a big firm will set you apart from other freelancers and justify higher pricing when you make that leap.
Honestly, I’d go freelance after that quick response from local businesses. That’s a strong signal there’s real demand! I made a similar jump 3 years ago (different field) and the freedom’s been incredible. Your GDPR expertise is gold to smaller companies struggling with compliance but can’t afford big consulting fees. Plus, you’ve got solid technical skills and work well independently. Worst case? You can always pivot to a consultancy later with more experience. But that immediate market response tells me you’re onto something good.
Dude, 5 responses in 2 hours is huge! Most people don’t get that traction when testing waters. Your GDPR + GA4 combo is literally what every small biz needs right now but can’t afford from big firms. I’d skip the corporate ladder - you’ve already got the skills and market validation. Eastern Europe has tons of growing companies that need exactly what you offer but get priced out by Accenture types.