What are the basics of freelancing? Should I start my own business? How can I position myself as a communication consultant?
Many JMC students, graduates and alumni spend a portion of their professional lives freelancing, independent contracting or consulting -- by design or out of necessity in a competitive job market.Forbes Magazine projects that the independent labor market is the fastest-growing segment of the American workforce.
The growth in independent workers spurred JMC to prepare students and alumni for these new employment opportunities. "Graduates today need to have an entrepreneurial spirit. It is more important than ever to build your personal brand, understand how to value your work, and what it takes to market yourself in competitive workforce. The Freelancing and Consulting Workshop will help students learn how to set themselves apart," said JMC director Thor Wasbotten.
But getting started as a freelancer or consultant can be challenging – and mistakes can be costly. JMC students and alumni can gain information and insights into independent work at the Freelancing and Consulting Workshop on Wednesday, Feb. 26 at 7:30 p.m. in FirstEnergy Auditorium, 340 Franklin Hall. The workshop will be conducted by Kent State’s Blackstone LaunchPad and is designed for all JMC majors.
The workshop will cover basics such as how freelancing works, how to price work, how to write a business plan, when and how to incorporate, and how to market yourself and your services.
Students and alumni are encouraged to attend. The event is free. Registration is encouraged but not required.
For more information, contact Stephanie Smith (ssmit149@kent.edu) at 330-672-8147 330-672-8147 or Zach Mikrut (zmikrut@kent.edu) at 330-672- 6782 330-672- 6782.
About Blackstone LaunchPad:
Kent State University’s Blackstone LaunchPad promotes entrepreneurship as a viable career path. Through mentoring, workshops and events, and connecting entrepreneurs to resources, LaunchPad helps Kent State students, faculty/staff and alumni to create new startups or grow existing businesses in Northeast Ohio.