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Gen Z’s Dream Job: Colleges Embrace Influencer Career Courses
As the creator economy soars to an estimated $250 billion in 2024, institutions of higher learning are taking note and embracing influencer career courses. Gone are the days when becoming a social media sensation was seen as a mere side hustle for aspiring online personalities; today, it’s being recognized as a legitimate career path.
The University of Alabama, in particular, is ahead of the curve with Professor Jessica Maddox teaching a class called Social Media Storytelling. She emphasizes that ignoring these aspects would be a disservice to her students, and indeed, the world at large. Similarly, Ivy League institutions are also getting involved, hosting guest lecturers like YouTube sensation MrBeast, who has shared insights into building his massive content empire.
The trend is not limited to the United States; globally, universities are now offering courses that delve into the art of influencing, negotiating contracts, understanding intellectual property rights, and creating sustainable business models. Influencer careers have become a viable and important field of study for today’s students, allowing them to shape their own professional paths.
As it turns out, over 50% of Gen Z sees being an influencer as their dream job. Moreover, The Hollywood Reporter cites a study that highlights the majority of Americans aged 18-60 would be willing to leave their current occupations if they could become successful social media influencers. It’s clear that this line of work has captured the imagination and aspirations of an entire generation.
Professor Brooke Erin Duffy at Cornell University notes that her area of expertise, digital content creation, has only recently become accessible to a broader academic audience. This newfound recognition is crucial as institutions prepare students not just to produce engaging content but also navigate contracts, property rights, and build long-term business strategies.
The influencer economy, in essence, transcends mere visibility; it’s about mitigating risks, leveraging power structures, and creating lasting impacts on social media platforms. Assistant Professor Kate Stewart at Jacksonville State University describes the field of study as “communication, production, and business.” Understanding these components is crucial for shaping a future workforce.
Universities have taken note of this shift in societal dynamics and are incorporating courses that cover risk management, intellectual property rights, sustainable business models, and social media’s impact on society. By doing so, they enable Gen Z students to forge their own professional paths and create the future.
In conclusion, universities worldwide are embracing influencer career courses, recognizing the importance of this new landscape in shaping our collective future.
Source: www.forbes.com
