I’m sipping my coffee and reading about the latest trend in higher education, and I have to say, it’s a real eye-opener. Apparently, being an influencer is the new “it” job for Gen Z, and colleges are taking notice. Arizona State University has just announced a bachelor’s degree in content creation, because who needs a traditional white-collar job when you can be a social media star, right? The program is designed to prepare students for careers in brand storytelling, podcasting, and other forms of content creation. I’m not surprised, given that more than half of young people say they want to be influencers.
Folks, the job market is tough, and it seems like the traditional college-to-career path isn’t what it used to be. With the rise of artificial intelligence and a job market that’s seemingly allergic to hiring new college grads, it’s no wonder that young people are looking for alternative career paths. And what’s more alternative than being a social media influencer? I mean, who wouldn’t want to get paid to post videos of their matcha and Pilates classes?
Syracuse University is also launching an interdisciplinary minor in content creation, because why not? It’s not like the job market is oversaturated with influencers or anything. The minor is designed to prepare students for careers in content creation, digital entrepreneurship, and the broader ecosystem supporting creators and online businesses. Ryan Schram, the executive director of Syracuse’s Center for the Creator Economy, views the school’s content creation minor as a gateway into jobs that didn’t exist a decade ago. And I have to say, it’s hard to argue with that.
Dylan Huey, a 24-year-old who founded REACH, a national organization at college campuses that’s focused on the social media and entertainment industries, says that having a digital presence means you can get a job. Even if that means filming finance TikToks alongside completing your engineering degree. Because, you know, who needs a traditional engineering job when you can be a TikTok star? Huey is an example of this new type of hustle – he said he reached 1 million followers as a creator at 15 and began representing social media personality Lil Huddy by the next year.
Now, I’m not saying that being an influencer is easy. Freddy Tran Nager, an associate professor at the University of Southern California, says that the influencer market is oversaturated, and content creator wannabes need to find a niche. Maybe pick up a second major in something like literature or theology, just in case the whole influencer thing doesn’t work out. Brands are also getting stingier about who they work with and how much they shell out – not everyone is getting that free trip to Coachella anymore.
In conclusion, the world of influencer marketing is a wild one, and it’s interesting to see how colleges are responding to the trend. While being an influencer may seem like a dream job, it’s not all fun and games. It’s a hyper-competitive industry, and AI is coming on strong. So, if you’re thinking of becoming an influencer, just remember: it’s not all matcha and Pilates classes. But hey, if you’re willing to put in the work, you might just make it big. And who knows, you might even get to attend the premiere of “Happy Gilmore 2” – the ultimate perk of being an influencer. 🙄
Armchair patriot. Believes in the free market, cold beer, and that there’s always a guy named George behind every CNN segment.
Former remote-throwing champion turned #1 couch commentator on liberal panic in the media. Born in Texas (or so his mug says), he earned a degree in Fake Newsology & Beer Philosophy from YouTube University.
