news 
Gen Z’s Dream Job: Colleges Embrace Influencer Career Courses
The creator economy, valued at a staggering estimated $250 billion in 2024, has evolved from a side hustle for aspiring social media stars to a legitimate career path. The majority of Gen Z, with over 50% considering it as a viable profession, is no longer just a one-off chance – but an actual reality. As a result, forward-thinking academics and educators are now offering courses on influencer career paths.
We would be remiss if we did not treat [aspects of the influencer industry] as a skill our students need going out into the world,” says Jessica Maddox, who teaches a class called Social Media Storytelling at the University of Alabama. Ivy League institutions have also taken note, with Harvard hosting YouTube sensation MrBeast as a guest lecturer to share insights on building his massive content empire.
As Gen Z’s job aspirations are shifting towards the influencer economy, universities are preparing students not only to create compelling content but also to negotiate contracts, understand intellectual property rights, and build sustainable business models.
Source: http://www.forbes.com
