With social media and influencer marketing changing daily and more people aspiring to become influencers, colleges and universities are adding related classes or projects to their programs. Now, there’s a college in Ireland that’s created an entire degree in influencer marketing. But is an influencer marketing degree necessary to be successful as a creator, or is it solely necessary for marketers?
South East Technological University (SETU) in Carlow, Ireland, has created the Bachelor of Arts Content Creation and Social Media degree so that students can earn their degree in influencer marketing. According to SETU’s program description, students will learn the basics of influencing, including content creation, social media and journalism.
Many successful influencers don’t have a degree in influencer marketing specifically because it was not previously widely offered. They might have degrees in other topics, like marketing or communications.
Many well-known influencers are self-made, starting in their teens, like Alisha Marie or Tara Michelle. These mega-influencers began sharing their content online as a hobby that became a career. They likely weren’t worried about influencer analytics or website optimization when they started — they just wanted to share their favorite makeup products or make friends online. Since then, those who stuck with their love for online influencing have since become some of the top creators online.
Now that degree programs in influencer marketing are becoming more available, is it wise to pursue them? Is having a degree important for creators?
Is an influencer marketing degree necessary for creators?
Learning essential skills
Social media skills, marketing knowledge and creativity are essential in influencer marketing. A degree would likely cover those topics, but they can be learned without a degree, too. For many, a degree in influencer marketing will not guarantee a full-time career as an influencer.
Audience building
Content creators spend hours, months, or even years building an authentic audience with their creativity, time and, most importantly, love for the craft. A degree in influencer marketing alone would not guarantee an audience, although it would provide many skills needed to create valuable, entertaining and engaging content that draws followers. One of the most challenging parts of being an influencer is consistency in creating content, especially when things get tough and their audience size won’t budge.
Alternatives
University classes can be helpful in learning the business aspect of influencer marketing, as well as skills like editing, SEO, camera skills, and public speaking. These skills are also available through courses, conferences and real-world experience, such as connecting with fellow creators to exchange tips and ideas.
There are plenty of degrees that are beneficial in both business and marketing. Plenty of certification programs in digital communication and social media also can help creators in their careers. Additionally, resources online can help anyone learn the ins and outs of influencer management and marketing.
Wise investment?
With the constantly emerging social media platforms and requirements for each algorithm, it could be unlikely that college syllabuses can keep up with the ever-changing social media world. The potentially high cost of an education at a university may outweigh the pros of earning a degree in the influencer marketing specialty, especially when a degree isn’t necessary to be successful.
Working as an influencer marketer
While not every influencer will be successful on the career path, there are other ways to work within influencer marketing. For those who want to work as marketers in the influencer marketing industry, a degree is often required. Working on the brand or agency side is a fulfilling way to participate in the exciting industry. A degree benefits creatives who aspire to work for companies like IZEA to help brands and influencers connect for campaigns. With the increase of AI in marketing, there will also surely be careers working with AI and influencers in the future.
So, is a degree necessary for creators? Not necessarily, but it’s often a requirement for those on the brand or agency side of influencer marketing.
