Why Choose A Social Media Career?
Social media has opened up an entirely new employment sector that is worth exploring. There’s no doubt that social media is here to stay and it has become an integral part of business.
It is invaluable to marketing, advertising, and much more. In fact Google has become so commonplace that if anyone wants to know something we simply tell them to “google it”.
A career is a job that you can do for a significant number of years and that gives you the scope for upward mobility. So of course it is an excellent idea to consider a career in social media.
However, you may not know what is available, what to study in order to secure a career in social media and what aligns with your current skill set.
So let’s explore the steps that you need to take to secure a social media position and what kind of position may be available on the main social media platforms.
How can I prepare myself for a Social Media Career?
Social Media is a wonderful, exciting field; however, it is not all fun and games. In fact, it is quite strategic. It is all about engagement, brand building, and gaining market share.
As such you need to understand what companies need and build your skillset accordingly.
- Be sure that a social media career is for you
You may like the idea of a social media career but not know what it entails. Social media professionals often work by themselves. So, if you love being a part of a team and enjoy a water-cooler conversation a social media career may not be the right fit.
The tasks are often constantly changing due to technology. There are always surprises. You should be flexible and comfortable with change if you want to enter the social media arena.
- Keep educating yourself
You may already have a degree that aligns with social media requirements. However, you need to get social media-specific. Consider some short courses to update your skill.
You can also sign up for conferences where people share new ideas and strategies. If you can make contact with a social media expert and ask them to mentor you, you will gain some insight that can help you hit the ground running.
- Learn about the different social media platforms.
Explore! Get accounts on all the different social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snap Chat to name a few. This way, you will be familiar and be able to navigate with ease, showing your proficiency.
- Be Passionate
You really need to believe in the power of social media and the scope that it has to positively impact businesses. You should become an advocate for this type of communication, showing how it can help small and large organizations achieve their potential.
- Branch out
If you are already working in marketing or journalism, you can get involved in social media initiatives in your company or better yet, suggest the social media angle for a particular project. You can create your very own niche and jump-start your social media career.
- Use your personal socials
You can build your personal brand by offering quality content that increases your followers and by extension your influence. You should also take the opportunity to network by connecting with industry influencers and experts.
Meaningful connections can be made by attending real-time events like seminars. You can be able to start your social media career one post at a time.
Here is a list of the social media jobs that we have noticed being advertised more regularly:
Art Director
If you have a bachelor’s degree in photography, journalism, art, or design. This can a be social media career worth looking into.
Art Directors are responsible for the aesthetic quality of the images in online and offline ads. You will be responsible for both photo and video content for various advertising campaigns on social media platforms.
Digital Marketing Manager
Marketing Managers are spending increasingly more of their time and budget on social media and website advertising because of heavy online traffic. The truth is people are viewing product content more on their phones than in hard copy newspapers or magazines.
If you have a bachelor’s degree in Marketing or Business Management with a Major in Marketing or Advertising, you can definitely take advantage of a career that allows you to reach huge potential markets on social media.
Graphic Designer
It’s no surprise that graphic artists find a comfortable niche in the social media world. They are the creators of illustrations, motion graphics (GIFs), and designs.
They ensure the content is both informative and engaging to that reach the desire target audience.
You will need a bachelor’s degree in art or graphic design to qualify for this position.
Film/ Video Editor
Video content is invaluable on social media platforms. Some creators make content exclusively for social media. If you don’t want to create material yourself, you can edit the content of others and make sure that it is social media platform ready for the most impact.
The qualifications required for this kind of career are usually a bachelor’s degree in film, marketing, or journalism. However, you can always educate yourself on how to make and edit professional content.
Copywriter
The is no doubt that social media would be substandard without good writers. Engaging copy drives traffic. If you have a degree in English, communications, or marketing. This position could be a good fit.
Customer Service Representative
All the social media platforms have customer service jobs to deal with the questions, complaints, and concerns of the people who use the platform. These jobs usually involve addressing comments and answering messages and resolving any issues that a customer may have with their account.
There are entry-level positions that may require a high school diploma, but a bachelor’s degree may be necessary, depending on the duties of the position.
There are several benefits if you choose to pursue a social media career. Here are our top reasons:
- A social media career can offer flexibility. Many Social media professionals often can work flexitime, remotely, or a hybrid version that suits their needs.
- Offers an avenue for creativity.
- There are several global opportunities. Many of the leading social media companies have operations worldwide.
- You have an opportunity to impact and influence millions of people.
What can kind of career opportunities can I expect at Major Social Media companies?
Facebook Careers
There is no denying it. Facebook is a social media giant and as with all business giants, there are several opportunities to consider. It operates on so many levels.
It facilitates personal and business accounts. It also runs countless ads. It is an indomitable machine. In order to deliver their service, there are literally Facebook Careers in every field. Facebook has 93 offices in 37 countries around the world.
Here is a list of some of the careers that you can consider at Facebook:
- Software Engineer
- Researcher
- Graphic Artist
- Data Scientist
- Mechanical Engineer
- HR Professional
- Marketing Professional
- Communication Specialist
LinkedIn Careers
LinkedIn is a platform where professionals and job seekers can interact. Recruiters can reach out to potential candidates to fill positions. Companies can post their vacancies and access a wide pool of qualified persons.
In order for LinkedIn to function seamlessly, a cohesive team of professionals is required. If you are interested in LinkedIn careers you should check out their website to see what is available.
These are some of the positions that you are likely to be available. You can apply to the following kinds of jobs at LinkedIn.
- Customer or Member Experience Assistant/Professional
- Software Developer
- Digital Infrastructure Builders
- Data Specialist
- Researcher
- Site Reliability/Web page Specialist
LinkedIn Careers are definitely worth looking for if you are looking for a professional, proactive work environment.
There are LinkedIn Offices in several countries around the world (China, Ireland, Mexico, Great Britain, India, Canada, Japan, France, just to name a few).
Twitter Careers
Twitter is one of the social networking services where people communicate by tweets and retweets. It facilitates information sharing and dialogue on politics, news, sports, and every other topic.
There are 25 offices worldwide. It is a wonderful platform both for businesses to get visibility and for individual expression.
If you have a background in digital marketing, software engineering, or data management, Twitter careers may be a good fit for you.
- Software Engineer (Backend, Privacy Tooling, Infrastructure
- HTL Content Specialist
- Android Engineer
- Date Product Manager
- IOS Engineer
- Data Science Manager
Google Careers
Google is one of the largest search engines with locations all over the world. The company focuses on diversity and inclusiveness when they are choosing its workforce.
You can join any one of their teams: Consumer Hardware, People/Human Resources, Service Sales and Support, Technology and Engineering, Communications & Marketing, Design, Finance, Legal, Business Strategy, and Facilities.
Google careers are quite versatile and if you are just entering the business world. It is an excellent place to start.
Here are some of the positions that you can apply for at Google:
- UX Designer
- UX Researcher
- Content Strategist
- Program Manager
- Software Developer
- Cloud Security Advocate
WhatsApp Careers
WhatsApp is a household name around the world, it is one of the primary ways people keep in touch with their friends, family, and colleagues. You can also share content from other sites like your favourite song or a funny video.
WhatsApp Careers are geared toward people keeping connected and all the background work that goes into it. They have offices in 4 countries.
The following positions can be applied for on the WhatsApp website:
- Language Manager
- Technical Programmer
- Communication Specialist/Manager
- Marketing Specialist
- Content Strategist
- Data Engineer
- Product Designer
- Technology Specialist
YouTube Careers
YouTube is one of the giants of video content with offices in 6 countries. You can work directly for YouTube, or you can be paid for your video content as a Freelancer, it’s up to you!
You can find content on every kind of DIY project, music, tutorials on literally everything. YouTube is all about creativity and we are definitely here for it.
Here are some of the positions that YouTube offers:
- Trends Manager
- Music Lead
- Marketing Specialist
- Program Manager/Specialist
- Freelancer
- Software Engineer
- Data Scientist
And so much more.
Facebook, Google, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, WhatsApp and YouTube are all huge enterprises. This means all the other associated business functions are required.
So, if you visit their platforms, you will see vacancies in Human Resources, Accounting, Business Management, Analytics, Finance and Legal Services. In order for the company to function – positions in all these teams or departments are necessary.
If you are interested in a career in social media, we hope that we have brought some insight that can positively impact your decision. Your new career path could be within your reach.
