Midas van de Wal

Why this persona fits the audience

A self-employed data analyst in Amsterdam who is applying for in-house analytics positions in the Netherlands and nearby EU markets. He uses Jobscan to compare resume keywords, maintains a Notion pipeline, and prefers roles where he can combine contract work with a stable salary.

• Age: 29
• Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Occupation: Freelance data analyst and active applicant
• Income: €55k–€70k from consulting
• Education: MSc in applied statistics
• Company size: N/A (freelance)
• Years in role: 5

“The beauty of data isn't just in the numbers themselves, but in the clarity and structure you can bring to them.”

Midas van de Wal, 29, is a data analyst based in Amsterdam, carving out a niche for himself in the competitive Dutch and EU job markets. Holding an MSc in Applied Statistics, he initially embraced the freelance life five years ago, drawn by the promise of autonomy and the opportunity to work on diverse projects. His income currently fluctuates between €55k–€70k annually, derived from various consulting engagements. However, the inherent unpredictability of contract work has led him to actively seek a more stable, in-house position. Midas is highly organized, employing tools like Notion to meticulously manage his job application pipeline and Jobscan to optimize his resume for Applicant Tracking Systems. His personality leans towards the conscientious and open, with a strong drive for accuracy and a methodical approach to problem-solving. While he values his independence, the desire for stability is a growing motivator. He's not afraid of complex datasets and finds satisfaction in building clear, insightful dashboards. His current career pivot is a deliberate strategy to trade some of the freelance flexibility for the security and predictable workflow of a permanent role, ideally one that still offers intellectual challenges and opportunities for growth. He sees this transition not as a compromise, but as a logical next step in building a sustainable and fulfilling career, allowing him to focus more on deep analytical work rather than the constant hunt for the next contract.

Background & daily life

A day in their life

Midas's typical weekday begins around 7:30 AM with a strong black coffee and a quick scan of industry news. After a 20-minute cycle to a co-working space, he dedicates the morning to refining his resume and cover letters for specific in-house roles, meticulously comparing job descriptions against his profile using Jobscan. Lunch is usually a simple sandwich or salad. The afternoon is split between working on a short-term consulting project for a small e-commerce startup and researching potential employers, updating his Notion pipeline with new leads and application statuses. He might squeeze in a quick online chess game before heading home around 6:30 PM, often followed by preparing a healthy dinner and reviewing a new data visualization technique he learned about.

Lifestyle

Midas lives a structured yet flexible life in Amsterdam. His days often start with a strong espresso from his favorite local roaster, followed by a brisk cycle commute to a co-working space or client site. He values his independence, which is reflected in his freelance career choice, but also seeks the security of a stable income. Evenings are typically spent either working on personal projects, refining his analytical skills, or unwinding with a game of chess online. He's mindful of his finances, saving a portion of his consulting income for future investments and travel, but isn't overly frugal, enjoying good coffee and occasional dinners out with friends.

Work life

As a freelance data analyst, Midas navigates a landscape of project-based work, constantly seeking his next engagement. His current focus is transitioning to a full-time in-house role, a shift driven by a desire for greater stability and less administrative overhead. He spends a significant portion of his week researching companies, tailoring his CV using tools like Jobscan, and managing his applications through a meticulously organized Notion pipeline. The pressure comes from balancing client deliverables with the intensive job search, ensuring his skills remain sharp while demonstrating his value to potential employers. He thrives on complex datasets and the challenge of uncovering actionable insights.

Relationships

Midas maintains a close-knit circle of friends, mostly fellow freelancers and tech professionals he met during his studies or through industry meetups. He has a good, albeit somewhat distant, relationship with his parents, who live in a smaller town in the Netherlands and appreciate his career success. His roommate provides a casual social outlet, and he occasionally connects with former colleagues for professional advice.

How they decide

Midas is a highly analytical and research-driven decision-maker. He meticulously gathers information, compares options, and weighs pros and cons before committing. For significant decisions, he might consult trusted peers or mentors, but ultimately relies on his own data-backed conclusions. He avoids impulsive choices, preferring a measured and logical approach.

How they sound

Speaks with a clear, measured cadence, often using precise language. His Dutch accent is subtle but present. He avoids overly casual slang or jargon unless discussing technical topics with peers. His tone is generally calm and rational, even when discussing frustrations. He tends to articulate his thought process, explaining the 'why' behind his statements.