DIY: Build your Business in Freelance Science Communication

The course will be offered again in November/December 2024. Please get in touch for specific dates/times/details.

In addition to the four group sessions (conducted over Zoom), I am happy to offer a one-on-one session with any students enrolled in the course. To register, please visit the Association of Science Communicators website and click on Courses. All class sessions will be recorded.

Learn more about the course content in the description below. If you have questions, feel free to email me at mlparkermedia@gmail.com.

Do you want to grow your business as a freelance science communicator?

Whether you freelance as a side hustle, or you’re looking to make the jump into a full-time freelance career, this course will give you some essential tools and insights including:

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

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

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

  • Keep it real: recognize that full-time freelance work is tough at times. Engage in thoughtful discussions about overcoming insecurities, coping with self-doubt or uncertainty, and building confidence and community.

Testimonials:

“Marley generously shared concrete resources, tips, and suggestions ranging from networking to business development to contract negotiations. She was direct about the rewards and the challenges of freelancing and at the same time immensely positive and encouraging. Overall, her course was inspiring, collegial, and informative. I would highly recommend it!”

— Mara Shurgot | Associate Director of Communications at Duke University Center for WaSH-AID

“Science communication freelancing can be a lonely endeavor as few people understand its unique challenges. I came to this course after freelancing for a few years, seeking ideas too expand and improve my business. Marley provided resources, her insights and wealth of experience, and a safe space for discussion with other course participants, which allowed me to explore ideas of what to do next.  The course provided me with a sense of community and renewed my energy for trying out new things.”

Clare Gibson | Filmmaker at Allegorical Alchemy

“Marley’s vast experience working as a science communicator and her passion for teaching really shine through, and I will miss these insightful weekly Wednesday discussions. I learned so much about the practical and business aspects of freelancing in science communications, for which information can sometimes be difficult to come by. It was also a great opportunity to meet fellow science communicators! I cannot recommend this course enough!"

— Maria Pinto | Science Communicator and Videographer

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 British Geological Survey, 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.