Is this course right for me?

Target Audience: Anyone across the university who is interested in developing the mindset and skills to become a freelancer in any level, sector or skill.

This course is a 'one off' and will not run again.

it is a live - online session.

Course Description;

Freelancing is a legitimate way of working for employed and, of course, self-employed people. Whether a side-hustle,  a start-up or even a scale-up, freelancing offers lots of positives such as increased income, offsetting some expenses against tax, as well as developing new skills and growing a network. This session sets out all you need to know to start freelancing and how to easily get started.

The aim of the workshop is to empower individuals to start freelancing or, for established freelancers, to share some tips and the latest legislation.  No business idea required since we will look at e-commerce, dropshipping as well as creating multiple income streams through products and/or providing services.

Fun, enthusiastic and empowering, this session is delivered by experienced academic, journalist and entrepreneur Dr Kate Smith and so is orientated to the university environment. Contribution to the session by participants is optional, so those perhaps just considering freelancing activities for the first time are very welcome.  Practical tips and steps for freelancers will be discussed.

Course Outcomes/Objectives;

• We will discuss what freelancing is and how to get started in the UK.

• All you need to know about setting up and sustaining a good freelance career: finding clients, invoicing, tax, National Insurance, expenses and  buying things (capital expenditure).

•  Got a great idea for a business but don’t know how to get started?  Try it out as a freelancer first to test the market or build that prototype.  Steps on how to move from vision to action.  Also grants and support available from the get-go.

• Need to work flexibly or set your own hours or work culture? The pros and cons of freelancing.

• Already an established freelancer?  Review of legislation impacting freelancers and also some tips of the trade for automating some processing as well as great apps.  Tips on free event spaces, networking and building customer acquisition.

Accessibility;

We are committed to ensuring our events and courses are accessible to all staff:

For online activity:

• The session will take place on Teams
• Auto-captions will be enabled
• There will be audience participation but it is optional.
• You can keep your camera off
• You are asked to attend the whole session
• There will be a break of 15mins
• The session is relaxed – this means you can stretch, move around, stim etc.
• Digital copies of resources will be emailed to participants in advance of delivery upon request.
• Please contact osdu-equity@strath.ac.uk to discuss any further access requirements

Prerequisites

Cancellation Policy

When applying for a course, you should note that there will be a £50* charge to your Department / School if you do not attend your place on the course. There will be no charge as long as you cancel your booked place before the event or notify our staff at osdu@strath.ac.uk that you can no longer attend.

A Department / School is welcome to send someone else in your place if they wish without incurring a charge, providing that person has the necessary prerequisites for the course. In the case of courses split over more than one day, you are expected to attend ALL parts of the course.

*This is the standard charge for cancellation or non-attendance of a course of 1-day duration or less. For some courses, there may be a higher cancellation charge and if this is the case you will be advised of this at the time of booking.