In today’s digital age, a career in social media can take many forms, including roles such as social media managers, content creators, community managers, and more. 

The field is constantly evolving, and staying current with trends and best practices is essential for anyone looking to advance their social media career. 

In this blog post, we’ll explore how education, certification, and understanding different career paths can help you take your social media career to the next level.

We will also look at some unique ways to gain real-life hands-on experience in social media. Keep reading to know more!

How to start building your social media career?

1. Identify your niche

The first step in building a successful social media career is identifying your niche. This means understanding what you’re passionate about and what you can offer others. By specifying your niche, you’ll be able to develop a unique voice that will set you apart from others.

2. Education & certifications

Consider getting a formal education in marketing, communication, or a related field. Many universities offer courses and degrees in social media and digital marketing. You can also look into online courses, certifications, and workshops to build your skills.

If you’re new to a social media career, first learn the foundations of the field. At Acadium, we have free digital marketing courses that will teach you all about digital marketing including social media marketing.

3. Build a personal brand

Building a personal brand is essential for a successful social media career. This can include a website or portfolio, a LinkedIn profile, and active social media accounts. Use these platforms to showcase your skills, expertise, and passion for social media.

A strong personal brand will help you stand out and attract potential clients or employers.

4. Gain experience

Look for opportunities to gain hands-on experience in social media. This can include internships, apprenticeships, social media freelance work, or volunteering for non-profit organizations.

5. Build a portfolio

Create a social media portfolio that showcases your skills, experience, and achievements. This can include examples of your work, case studies, and testimonials from mentors, clients, or colleagues.

These are just a few steps to get started in a social media career. Remember, building a successful career takes time and effort, but with persistence and determination, you can achieve your goals.

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Top skills to build your social media career

The specific skills required for a social media career will vary depending on the role, but here are some common skills that are essential for success:

1. Strategic thinking: The ability to develop and implement effective social media strategies that align with a brand’s goals and target audience.

2. Content creation: The ability to create engaging and visually appealing content, such as text, images, and videos, that resonates with a brand’s target audience.

3. Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to write compelling copy and craft engaging messages.

4. Social media platform knowledge: In-depth knowledge of social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and others.

5. Analytics: Marketing analytics is the ability to collect, analyze, and interpret data to measure the success of a brand’s social media presence and campaigns.

6. Project management: The ability to plan, execute, and manage multiple projects and campaigns, often with tight deadlines.

7. Marketing: A strong understanding of marketing principles, including audience targeting, segmentation, and conversion optimization.

8. Customer service: Excellent customer service skills, including the ability to respond to comments and messages, resolve customer issues, and maintain a positive online presence.

9. Adaptability: The ability to adapt quickly to changing trends and technologies in the social media industry.

With the right knowledge, skills, and approach, you can build a successful social media career.

Also read: How Much Does a Social Media Manager Make in US & Canada?

Common job roles in a social media career

There are many different social media careers available, each with its own set of skills and responsibilities. Here are a few examples:

1. Social Media Management

Social media managers are responsible for creating, implementing, and monitoring a brand’s social media strategy. This includes creating content, managing accounts, and analyzing performance metrics. Social media managers often work in-house for a company or agency and may be in charge of multiple accounts or brands.

Also read: How to Become a Social Media Manager?

2. Content Creation

Content creators are responsible for creating and producing content for social media platforms. This can include writing, photography, videography, and graphic design. Content creators can work in-house for a company or agency, or as a freelancer.

Also read: What is a Content Creator & How to Become One?

3. Community Management

Community managers are responsible for building and maintaining a brand’s online community. This includes responding to comments and messages, moderating content, and creating engagement strategies. Community managers often work in-house for a company or agency.

4. Social Media Advertising

Social media advertisers are responsible for creating and managing social media advertising campaigns. This includes researching target audiences, creating ad copy and graphics, and analyzing performance metrics.

5. Influencer Marketing

Influencer marketing specialists are responsible for identifying and working with social media influencers to promote a brand or product. This includes researching potential influencers, negotiating deals, and analyzing campaign performance.

6. Social Media Analytics

Social media analysts are responsible for analyzing social media data to understand a brand’s online presence, audience, and performance. This includes monitoring metrics, identifying trends, and creating reports.

Also read: Best Entry-Level Social Media Jobs to Land Without Experience

Social media career: How to find a job?

1. Network

Networking is an important part of building a successful social media career. This can include connecting with other professionals in your industry, attending networking events, and participating in online communities. Networking can help you build relationships, gain insights, and find new opportunities.

2. Stay current

Stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices by reading industry blogs, attending conferences, and following thought leaders on social media.

3. Tailor your resume & update your online presence

Ensure that your resume and online presence, such as your LinkedIn profile, accurately reflect your skills and experience. Be sure to include any relevant certifications and education, as well as any projects you have worked on in the past.

4. Research companies

Research companies in the social media industry that interest you. Learn about their products, services, culture, and mission. This information can help you tailor your cover letter to the company and increase your chances of getting hired.

If you are interested in a particular company, reach out to them directly to inquire about job opportunities. You can also connect with current employees on LinkedIn to learn more about their experiences and ask for advice on finding a job in the company.

5. Use job boards

Utilize job boards, such as Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor, to find job opportunities. Many companies also post job listings on their websites, so be sure to check the careers section of companies you are interested in.

6. Utilize your personal network

Let your personal network know that you are looking for a job in the social media industry. They may have connections or know of job openings that would be a good fit for you.

7. Prepare for interviews

Practice your interviewing skills and be ready to answer common questions about your experience, skills, and knowledge in the social media industry. Be prepared to provide examples of your work and discuss your approach to social media.

Also read: Top 20 Social Media Interview Questions [+ Sample Answers]

8. Sign up for a social media apprenticeship

Working as a digital marketing apprentice allows you the chance to get practical experience. You will be able to build your resume with a tangible skill, and it’s great if want more than just theory. No matter what your background or skillset, there’ll be something for you here!

Get started by joining Acadium, completing your profile, and applying for a digital marketing apprenticeship. You can take advantage of it to land the job of your dreams, just like our other successful marketers:
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Become one of our 54% of apprentices who found employment and are earning more after their apprenticeship!

Finding a job in the social media industry requires preparation, hard work, and persistence. Remember to be confident, enthusiastic, and passionate about your career in social media. With the right approach and mindset, you’ll be able to land your dream job and advance your social media career.