Ireland Is Offering an Influencer Degree for University Students

Chances are, you are reading this while looking at your phone. You were scrolling and found yourself on this article. Is it common for you to stay on your phone for long? Well, there is an opportunity for you to monetize that! Who knew becoming an influencer would soon require an academic backbone?

If you want to learn the nooks and crannies of influencing, an Irish university is now offering an “Influencer Degree.” What can you learn there, and what can you expect from a degree like this?

Influencer Degree Available in Irish University

Previously, the college has provided a summer crash course called “Digital Hustle.” It was taught by viral TikTokers and field experts for the past two years. However, this course was insufficient in covering the various aspects of the industry compared to a comprehensive undergraduate degree.

Irene McCormick, a senior lecturer at the university, expressed the awareness of a demand for a specific course. The goal was to expand the existing course into a bachelor’s degree and complete the ratification process.

What Does the Influencer Degree Promise?

The university is rolling out a Bachelor of Arts degree for people who want to turn their screen time hobby into a legitimate career. You will get to know the ins and outs of social media theory. Additionally, you will be picking up the skills to connect with specific online crowds. That is what this program is all about.

They are getting ready to welcome around 40 tech-savvy students in the first batch. However, thanks to the popularity of their summer course, they’re expecting way more applicants. Unfortunately, that might mean they’ll have to turn away some eager folks who want in on the action due to limited spots. Bummer!

Other Universities Have Offered Similar Influencer Courses

Several universities, including USC, Cornell, Duke, and Chapman, have previously offered individual courses on influencer strategy, business, and communications. However, SETU stands out as a trailblazer by being the first to dedicate an entire major to the field. Tom Hafen, a professor at Columbia University specializing in brand management in the digital age, highlighted the advantage of teaching college classes. He emphasized the innate familiarity of digital natives with the subject matter.

Tom Hafen explained: “One thing that’s really great about teaching college classes is that I’m teaching digital natives — they live and breathe this stuff.”

In SETU’s major, the focus goes beyond practical execution, such as posting on Instagram or creating TikTok content, allowing for a deeper exploration of the theories underpinning influencer advertising.

Why the Influencer Market Is So Popular Lately

The influencer marketing industry, valued at over $21 billion, has witnessed a surge in interest, especially among digitally immersed young individuals who view the entrepreneurial role as an achievable career. Over half of Gen Z believe they can build a lucrative profession through content creation and digital product promotion. Recognizing the challenges of instant success in this competitive field, SETU’s degree program aims to equip students with the knowledge to navigate the internet-driven landscape successfully.

Tom Hafen emphasized the importance of understanding the strategies behind content creation rather than relying solely on luck for viral success. The degree program focuses on imparting insights into the theories behind influencer advertising, acknowledging that replicating virality can be challenging without a foundational understanding.

Influencers Can Be a Powerful Tool

Hafen highlighted the significance of influencer marketing as a powerful tool for conveying product suitability to specific demographics. Employers, recognizing the growing demand for social media proficiency from Gen Z, increasingly seek individuals with content creation and social media skills. This trend is observed not only among entrepreneurs but also within large corporations, making it a critical skill set in today’s evolving business landscape.

So, are you convinced to get an Influencer Degree after reading this? Let us know in the comments below!

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