Social media may have started as a way to connect with friends and family over the Internet. But today, social media for business has become essential for reaching consumers. Digital technologies such as social media transform how companies engage with customers to build their brand and increase revenue.
As businesses increasingly recognize the benefits of social media, the demand for professionals with industry-relevant skills is growing. The Arkansas State University (A-State) Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Digital Technology & Design with a concentration in Social Media online program prepares graduates to enter the workforce with the skills employers seek.
What Is the Job Outlook for Social Media Specialists?
Social media builds connections, making it an ideal tool to help businesses increase engagement and expand their reach. In order to understand the high demand for business professionals with the skills to implement digital marketing strategies, consider some relevant trends:
- As of 2021, 4.26 billion people around the world were using social media. This number is expected to soar to six billion by 2027, according to Statista.
- Social media use by adults in the U.S. has grown from 7% in 2005 to 72% as of 2021, according to Pew Research.
- Companies spent over $134 billion on social ads in 2022, with a year-on-year growth rate of 17%. Social media video ad spending alone grew more than 20% in 2022 to reach $24.35 billion, according to Hootsuite.
- As of 2021, over 90% of marketing professionals for U.S. companies with more than 100 employees used social media for marketing purposes, according to Statista.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the demand for marketing managers is expected to grow 10% from 2021 to 2031, double the average of 5% for all occupations. The BLS notes that the most significant demand is for candidates with the skills to target customers through websites, social media and live chats. Examples of jobs in social media include:
- Social media manager
- Content specialist
- Social media specialist
- Social media communications specialist
- Social media analyst
- Digital marketing specialist
- SEO (search engine optimization) strategist
What Skills Do Social Media Professionals Need?
Do you thrive on staying up to date with the latest trends in social media? Do you enjoy creating visual and written content that people will connect with, whether that is awe-inspiring imagery, “snackable” videos, inspirational musings or cause-related Tweets? Are omnichannel experiences an expectation?
If the answer to any of these questions is “yes,” you already have some of what it takes to build a career in social media. However, digital marketing jobs also require the in-demand strategies and technical skills developed in programs such as A-State’s B.S. in Digital Technology & Design with a concentration in Social Media.
For example, A-State’s Social Media in Strategic Communications course engages students in integrating social media tools as part of an organization’s overall communication strategy. In the Social Media Measurement course, students learn methods for getting the best results from the investment in advertising, public relations and marketing communications.
Additional coursework develops high-demand skills in areas such as:
- Social media marketing
- Interactive online advertising
- Search engine marketing (SEM)
- Search engine optimization (SEO)
- Marketing communications
- Video production and graphic design
If you are considering a career in social media, working as a social media specialist is an excellent place to start. According to Salary.com, social media specialists in the U.S. earn an average salary of $74,611 as of December 2022. With experience, social media specialists often advance to roles such as social media and communications manager. Salary.com reports an average salary of $111,845 for this position.
Earning a B.S. in Digital Technology & Design with a social media focus can equip you with the skills employers seek to manage their social media presence and take their digital marketing initiatives to the next level.
Learn more about Arkansas State University’s online B.S. in Digital Technology & Design Social Media program.