Unleashing the Power of Influence: An Inside Look at South East Technological University’s 'Influencer' Degree
The South East Technological University in Carlow, Ireland is set to introduce a unique 'Influencer' course, receiving varied reactions from the public
Highlights
The landscape of content creation has transformed from a mere pastime to a financially promising profession, particularly among the younger demographic. The emergence of social media platforms such as TikTok, Twitch, and YouTube has paved the way for aspiring influencers to pursue it as a full-fledged career.
South East Technological University (SETU) in Carlow, Ireland is providing an exceptional four-year Bachelor of Arts program in Content Creation and Social Media. This course encompasses a wide range of subjects including video editing, business skills, cultural studies, and creative writing, enabling students to establish themselves as independent influencers or content creators for esteemed organizations.
The SETU influencer course is designed to equip students with essential skills that encompass audience engagement, monetization of content, understanding of PR and marketing strategies, collaboration with agencies through contracts, and even launching their own ventures. This comprehensive education is tailored for long-term success in the rapidly expanding field of content creation.
In the past, the idea of building a career through online content creation seemed unbelievable to many. During the 2000s, social media was primarily used for connecting with friends and family. However, it has now become common to find individuals working as full-time influencers on platforms such as TikTok, Twitch, YouTube, and more. Content creation is no longer just a hobby or a means of updating friends and followers; it has officially emerged as a viable career path, particularly among the younger generation.
Today, content creators and influencers come from diverse backgrounds and have different stories of how they achieved success. Twitch streamer Pokimane and other prominent figures often attribute their success to a combination of hard work and fortunate circumstances. However, for those who are interested in exploring the technicalities of becoming an influencer, Carlow, Ireland's South East Technological University (SETU) seemingly offers a course tailored to that pursuit.
What is The "Influencer" Course?
SETU, the leading technological university in southeastern Ireland, is renowned for its provision of high-quality education and exceptional career and learning opportunities. In addition, SETU offers extensive recreational amenities for students. The Carlow branch offers a diverse range of undergraduate programs, including public relations, marketing, and sports management. Starting this November, SETU will be accepting applications for its exciting new program: Bachelor of Arts in Content Creation and Social Media, which has earned the moniker of the "influencer" course. This comprehensive four-year program encompasses various subjects, such as video and audio editing, business skills, critical cultural studies, and creative writing.
During an interview with Irish broadcast channel RTÉ, Dr. Eleanor O'Leary, a respected media and communications lecturer at SETU, highlighted that graduates of this course will possess the necessary skills to thrive as self-employed influencers or content creators for private companies. With its broad range of covered topics, SETU's influencer course ensures that prospective creators are fully prepared for success. Despite TikTok's dominance in the realm of content creation, SETU covers all aspects to provide comprehensive training.
Dr. O'Leary mentioned the increasing interest among SETU students and employees due to the opportunities available for content creators. Additionally, the pay for these influencers has been quite impressive. Depending on the platforms they use, influencers can earn thousands of dollars solely from their content, excluding the income from ad placements. For instance, YouTuber MrBeast earned over $167,000 in a week for one of his videos, and TikTok streamer PinkyDoll could make approximately $7,000 per day.
When news of SETU's influencer course emerged, many netizens expressed skepticism and questioned the legitimacy of influencing and content creation as a real occupation. However, others defended SETU's initiative by acknowledging the success of numerous influencers and highlighting the various aspects of this career. While some influencers may achieve rapid fame, such as streamers Kai Cenat and IShowSpeed, SETU's course aims to educate students on how to maintain audience engagement and effectively monetize it for long-term success.
In addition to that, the business aspect of influencing extends further. Students will gain insights into PR and marketing strategies for creating engaging content, which will enhance their ability to captivate viewers and identify emerging trends for future content. Furthermore, they will acquire the know-how of collaborating with agencies and managing contracts, skills that are valuable for engaging in brand partnerships, selling merchandise, and establishing their own profitable ventures. Amouranth serves as a prime example of a content creator who successfully transitioned into an entrepreneur, highlighting the comprehensive nature of this course.
It is not uncommon for some individuals to struggle with comprehending the purpose of influencers, much like the skepticism faced by emerging fields in the past, such as computers and technology. However, aspiring content creators and influencers simply require the right tools and knowledge to excel in this dynamic industry, and this degree program potentially holds the key to their success.
