When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
Learn new concepts from industry experts
Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
Earn a shareable career certificate
There are 5 modules in this course
The second course in the Building Your Freelancing Career specialization is aimed at freelancers looking to integrate financial analysis and strategy into their business. Learners will discover and apply accounting best practices through creating a budget and financial plan and using it to set financial goals with rates and prices backed up by their own research.
CalArtians who do not see a "Sponsored by CalArts" notice when enrolling are encouraged to access this course and the specialization by joining through the Coursera for CalArts program linked in the course/specialization FAQ.
In this section, you'll review the course introduction and student expectations. You'll also get to know some of the successful freelancers in our community and hear practical advice about how they handle financial decisions. Lastly, you'll have the opportunity to have a meet and greet with your peers.
What's included
5 videos6 readings1 discussion prompt
Show info about module content
5 videos•Total 26 minutes
Course Introduction •2 minutes
Get acquainted with our freelancers •1 minute
Introducing Rajib Karmakar •4 minutes
Introducing Nick Rodrigues •15 minutes
Introducing Socks Whitmore •5 minutes
6 readings•Total 30 minutes
Specialization Overview•5 minutes
About CalArts and Extended Studies•5 minutes
Instructor Presence and Staff Support•5 minutes
Academic Integrity•5 minutes
Forum Guidelines•5 minutes
Requesting Peer Reviews•5 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 5 minutes
Meet and Greet •5 minutes
Personal and Business Finances
Module 2•3 hours to complete
Module details
In this section, we'll dig into key financial concepts that will create a solid foundation for a successful freelance career. You'll explore the factors to consider when transitioning from a job to a freelance career, how to set up healthy habits for personal and business financial management, and how to plan for your future.
Runway 2: Your Personal Tomorrow Budget •30 minutes
Definitions of Basic Financial Terms•10 minutes
2 assignments•Total 20 minutes
Check-In: Your Personal Tomorrow Budget •5 minutes
Separation of Finances •15 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 10 minutes
Personal Budgeting •10 minutes
Making and Managing Money in Your Business
Module 3•2 hours to complete
Module details
In this section, you'll consider how to price your offerings, how to forecast the number of sales you'll need, and how to consider all the costs that go into running a business. These factors will help you consider many options and choose a business model that fits your goals for your financial future as a freelancer.
Socks on setting rates for different businesses •3 minutes
Adding more complexity to your inputs•1 minute
Business Model Selection •4 minutes
Socks on finding clients •3 minutes
3 readings•Total 70 minutes
Runaway 3: Design your business budget•30 minutes
Runway 3 continued•30 minutes
Examples of Business Models •10 minutes
2 assignments•Total 15 minutes
Check-In: Good Financial Management Habits •5 minutes
Making and Managing Money in Your Business•10 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 10 minutes
What's your business model? •10 minutes
How are you doing?
Module 4•1 hour to complete
Module details
How will you get the help you need to run a freelancing business? In this section, you'll learn the importance of key business advisors and professional tools to manage your finances. You'll also learn how to look at your financial reports so that you can understand the financial aspects of your business.
What's included
4 videos1 reading1 assignment1 discussion prompt
Show info about module content
4 videos•Total 15 minutes
How to Choose Key Resources •2 minutes
Rajib on working with an accountant •1 minute
Understand Basic Financial Terms •7 minutes
Rajib on financial processes•4 minutes
1 reading•Total 10 minutes
How to Analyze an Income Statement•10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 20 minutes
How are you doing? •20 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 10 minutes
Check-in: How are you? •10 minutes
Making Financial Decisions
Module 5•3 hours to complete
Module details
In managing a business, you'll need to make many important decisions that will have a financial impact. It is important to track and interpret information to help you make wise decisions, and know when to consult with experts to help you plan and stay on track.
What's included
8 videos2 readings1 assignment1 peer review
Show info about module content
8 videos•Total 18 minutes
Measure Everything •5 minutes
Rajib on the value of having an accountant •1 minute
Could you give yourself a raise? •2 minutes
Financing Your Business •3 minutes
Shifting Financial Gears •3 minutes
Rajib on having a mentor or advisor •1 minute
Giving Useful Feedback •2 minutes
Course Conclusion•1 minute
2 readings•Total 11 minutes
Start Measuring•10 minutes
Next Steps•1 minute
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
Making Financial Decisions•15 minutes
1 peer review•Total 120 minutes
Financial Forecasting•120 minutes
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CalArts has earned an international reputation as the leading college of the visual and performing arts in the United States. Offering rigorous undergraduate and graduate degree programs through six schools—Art, Critical Studies, Dance, Film/Video, Music, and Theater—CalArts has championed creative excellence, critical reflection, and the development of new forms and expressions.
I'm a CalArtian (student, faculty, staff, and/or alumnx). How do I take this course for free?
CalArtians can earn a certificate by completing all of the content in this course and the specialization at no additional cost when they join through the Coursera for CalArts program and use their CalArts email address when registering for a Coursera account.
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.