DIY: Build your business in freelance science communication

  • 14 Nov 2023
  • 12 Dec 2023
  • 4 sessions
  • 14 Nov 2023, 12:00 13:00 (PST)
  • 28 Nov 2023, 12:00 13:00 (PST)
  • 5 Dec 2023, 12:00 13:00 (PST)
  • 12 Dec 2023, 12:00 13:00 (PST)
  • Zoom

Registration

This course focuses on how to build a business (whether it's a side-hustle or a full-time career) as a freelance science communicator. Over four weeks, we will cover  essential tools and insights including how to: 

1. Grow your network: learn what approaches actually work for making professional connections and getting hired for science communication projects. 

2. Get tech savvy: learn the basics of website design, professional social media presence, email newsletters, and personal branding. 

3. Get paid: learn how to establish your rates, know your worth, and find resources to help you navigate the self-employment world, from contracts and copyright to taxes and accounting. 

4. Keep it real: recognize that freelance work is tough at times. Learn best approaches to overcome insecurities, address self-doubt or uncertainty, and build confidence and community.


About the Instructor: 

Marley Parker has spent the past decade working as a professional science communicator.

At the beginning of 2018, Marley left her full-time position at a research university to start her own business as a freelance photographer, videographer, and science writer.

Over the past five years, she has done contract work for a wide variety of organizations including the National Science Foundation, the National Academy of Sciences, the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, the Ocean Exploration Trust, and many others.

When she is not documenting science in remote parts of the world, Marley loves sharing what she has learned from being a freelancer and pursuing an unconventional career path.

Learn more about Marley and her work here.