A Freelancer is an independent contractor who provides services on a short-term or contract basis, including services by the hour or per project they complete. Freelancers work for themselves and often have multiple clients they provide their services too. 

Example:

• Freelance Editor. Providing freelance editorial services for multiple journals. Read Anna Sharman’s Career Cluster interview for her experience freelancing.
• A freelance writer who works for multiple clients on a project-by-project basis. This writer could be hired to write articles, blog posts, or marketing copy for a variety of businesses or publications.

A Consultant is typically an expert in a specific field and provides expert advice and guidance to businesses and individuals. They can work within organisations providing expert advice to specific departments or they can work externally providing temporary services to a client, either through a consulting firm or another agency. Consultants can also work as freelancers, providing short-term consultation services for multiple clients.

Example:

• Software Engineer at a consultancy firm. Read ex-postdoc Lan Hoang’s case study. 
• Medical Statistics and Writing Consultant. Read Danielle Bodicoat’s Career Cluster interview for her experience as a consultant. 
• Sustainability Consultant at a consultancy firm. Read ex-postdoc David Amienyo’s case study.