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Quest for a social media education
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After reading The Impact of Social Media on Public Relations Education, a reader left the following comment:
As a seasoned PR professional now looking for a new job, however, I am wondering how I can give myself an edge and acquire this knowledge quickly without going back to a four-year college. I believe my traditional media experience, with the plus of knowing/understanding how to utilize social media is really what employers want...not just social media experts or just traditional PR pros. Any thoughts/suggestions?
According to Lindsay Olson, Paradigm Staffing, the reader is right. "Going back to a four-year university to get an education is social media isn't going to do her an ounce of good in her job search or her bank account in my opinion," says Lindsay. "Most employers who ask for PR professionals with social media experience prefer a candidate has a solid base in traditional media as well. Also, the experience with social media PR employers ask for means more than just setting up a Facebook page or a Twitter account for a their clients."
Olson suggests that if you are currently employed, the best way to position yourself for a job requiring social media experience is by gaining it with your current employer. Find a way to become more involved with social media projects for clients that will help provide some examples for your job search. For more suggestions on your job search, visit Lindsay's blog.
Keep in mind that even if you are not currently employed, it is possible to learn more about social media without a formal education. Arik Hanson recently blogged about his "Social Media MBA" His suggestions of "professors" we can all learn from, and "required reading" is on point. Start a blog. Read and comment on the blogs of others. Engage with true social media experts via Twitter and LinkedIn Groups. Arik, a master of social media himself, can be found on Twitter @arikhanson
Keep in mind that even if you are not currently employed, it is possible to learn more about social media without a formal education. Arik Hanson recently blogged about his "Social Media MBA" His suggestions of "professors" we can all learn from, and "required reading" is on point. Start a blog. Read and comment on the blogs of others. Engage with true social media experts via Twitter and LinkedIn Groups. Arik, a master of social media himself, can be found on Twitter @arikhanson
As we continue to look for leaders to guide us in our quest for a social media education, it is important to understand that even the most highly regarded social media guru's are still learning. A recent live tweet from the Digital Impact conference by @sjshannon from has resonated with me "@briansolis says no such thing as a social/digital media expert - only students as things change too fast to be an expert." Perhaps we should then aspire not to be experts in social media, but experts in learning.
For more information about the impact social media is having in formal education, read The impact of social media on public relations education
For more advice on navigating the current job market, click here
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