Source Credit - setu.ie |
The Bachelor of Arts in Content Creation and Social Media is designed to help students learn the skills they need to succeed in the fast-paced and ever-changing world of social media.
But while this initiative is thrilling for aspiring influencers, there are some significant concerns and downsides that we should consider.
Why This Degree Matters
Social media has completely transformed how we communicate and how businesses market their products.
Nowadays, influencers—those people who promote brands and lifestyles on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube—play a massive role in modern marketing.
Recognizing this significant trend, SETU created this four-year degree program to prepare students for careers in this exciting and growing field.
However, one major drawback is that the social media landscape is notoriously unpredictable. Trends come and go faster than you can say "hashtag," and what’s popular today could be obsolete tomorrow.
This raises the question - will a degree in this field even be relevant when students graduate? The risk of entering a field that might not exist in a few years is a real concern for prospective students.
Social media has completely transformed how we communicate and how businesses market their products.
Nowadays, influencers—those people who promote brands and lifestyles on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube—play a massive role in modern marketing.
Recognizing this significant trend, SETU created this four-year degree program to prepare students for careers in this exciting and growing field.
However, one major drawback is that the social media landscape is notoriously unpredictable. Trends come and go faster than you can say "hashtag," and what’s popular today could be obsolete tomorrow.
This raises the question - will a degree in this field even be relevant when students graduate? The risk of entering a field that might not exist in a few years is a real concern for prospective students.
What Will Students Learn?
The Content Creation and Social Media degree covers a wide array of important topics that are crucial for anyone looking to make a career in this area.
Students will explore creative video production, storytelling, data analysis, and even entrepreneurship. The goal is to provide students with a well-rounded education that prepares them for different roles in the digital content world.
One of the most exciting aspects of the program is the hands-on experience it offers. Students will work with camera equipment, editing software, and even have real-world internships.
However, the heavy emphasis on practical skills might mean less focus on theoretical knowledge and critical thinking. In a world that constantly evolves, understanding the principles behind content creation can be just as important as mastering the latest software.
The Content Creation and Social Media degree covers a wide array of important topics that are crucial for anyone looking to make a career in this area.
Students will explore creative video production, storytelling, data analysis, and even entrepreneurship. The goal is to provide students with a well-rounded education that prepares them for different roles in the digital content world.
One of the most exciting aspects of the program is the hands-on experience it offers. Students will work with camera equipment, editing software, and even have real-world internships.
However, the heavy emphasis on practical skills might mean less focus on theoretical knowledge and critical thinking. In a world that constantly evolves, understanding the principles behind content creation can be just as important as mastering the latest software.
Meeting Student Interest
It’s clear that many young people today dream of becoming vloggers, YouTubers, or professional streamers. SETU’s program aims to tap into this interest by teaching students how to build an audience and make money from their influence.
However, this could create unrealistic expectations. Many aspiring influencers fail to understand that success is not guaranteed, and the competition is fierce.
McCormick emphasizes that while it might seem easy to be an influencer—just post a few fun videos and you’re set—there’s actually a lot more to it than meets the eye.
Creating content requires planning, editing, and organization, she explained. It takes up more time than you might realize.
This shows that there’s a lot of work that goes into being a successful influencer, but the program might not adequately prepare students for the emotional and mental toll that comes with the pressure to constantly produce content.
It’s clear that many young people today dream of becoming vloggers, YouTubers, or professional streamers. SETU’s program aims to tap into this interest by teaching students how to build an audience and make money from their influence.
However, this could create unrealistic expectations. Many aspiring influencers fail to understand that success is not guaranteed, and the competition is fierce.
McCormick emphasizes that while it might seem easy to be an influencer—just post a few fun videos and you’re set—there’s actually a lot more to it than meets the eye.
Creating content requires planning, editing, and organization, she explained. It takes up more time than you might realize.
This shows that there’s a lot of work that goes into being a successful influencer, but the program might not adequately prepare students for the emotional and mental toll that comes with the pressure to constantly produce content.
The Realities of Influencing
Despite the glamor often associated with being an influencer, there are many challenges involved. McCormick stresses the importance of understanding these realities.
For instance, not every post will go viral, and building a following takes time and dedication. This can lead to discouragement for students who expect quick fame and fortune.
The program also teaches students important skills like personal branding and how to work with businesses to maximize their earnings.
While these skills are valuable, the focus on monetization can detract from the creative and artistic aspects of content creation. Students might find themselves prioritizing profits over passion, which could stifle genuine creativity.
Despite the glamor often associated with being an influencer, there are many challenges involved. McCormick stresses the importance of understanding these realities.
For instance, not every post will go viral, and building a following takes time and dedication. This can lead to discouragement for students who expect quick fame and fortune.
The program also teaches students important skills like personal branding and how to work with businesses to maximize their earnings.
While these skills are valuable, the focus on monetization can detract from the creative and artistic aspects of content creation. Students might find themselves prioritizing profits over passion, which could stifle genuine creativity.
Career Opportunities
Graduates from this innovative program will have a wide range of career options available to them. They could become self-employed influencers, work as content creators for brands, or even take on roles in marketing and public relations.
However, the job market in this field is incredibly saturated. Many people want to be influencers, and standing out is a challenge.
This raises the question, will a degree truly give graduates a competitive edge, or will they still have to fight tooth and nail for opportunities?
Dr. Eleanor O'Leary, a lecturer at SETU, emphasizes that while some people may stumble into influencer roles accidentally, this program will provide structured education on how to build an audience, create engaging content, and understand the business side of social media.
But can a degree really prepare students for the unpredictable nature of social media?
Graduates from this innovative program will have a wide range of career options available to them. They could become self-employed influencers, work as content creators for brands, or even take on roles in marketing and public relations.
However, the job market in this field is incredibly saturated. Many people want to be influencers, and standing out is a challenge.
This raises the question, will a degree truly give graduates a competitive edge, or will they still have to fight tooth and nail for opportunities?
Dr. Eleanor O'Leary, a lecturer at SETU, emphasizes that while some people may stumble into influencer roles accidentally, this program will provide structured education on how to build an audience, create engaging content, and understand the business side of social media.
But can a degree really prepare students for the unpredictable nature of social media?
Final Thoughts
The launch of Ireland's first degree in Content Creation and Social Media is a major step toward recognizing how important digital careers are today.
However, as social media continues to shape our lives and economies, having formal education in this field is becoming essential.
SETU's new program not only prepares students for careers as influencers but also equips them with valuable skills that can be applied across various industries.
In a world where social media can lead to real job opportunities, aspiring influencers now have a clear path to turn their passions into successful careers.
Yet, it’s crucial for students to enter this program with their eyes wide open, understanding both the opportunities and the challenges that lie ahead.
In conclusion, while this degree offers a promising opportunity for those looking to break into the world of social media, it also comes with significant risks and uncertainties.
With the right education and training, aspiring influencers can find their way in the digital landscape—but they must also be prepared for the hard work, competition, and unpredictability that comes with this exciting career path.
Written by Keerthana Lingamallu
Disclaimer - This article has been authored exclusively by the writer and is being presented on Eat My News, which serves as a platform for the community to voice their perspectives. As an entity, Eat My News cannot be held liable for the content or its accuracy. The views expressed in this article solely pertain to the author or writer. For further queries about the article or its content, you can contact on this email address - keerthanalingamallu@gmail.com.
0 Comments