Is a Degree in Emerging Media Worth It? (2023)
Innovations in media and technology are rapidly changing the way we do business, learn, play and communicate with one another. The ability to assess trends and capitalize on new social media opportunities has become essential to long-term success in nearly every industry.
In 2021, social media commerce generated a whopping $475 Billion in revenue with nearly 92% of U.S companies using social media for marketing purposes. Nearly 15 new social media accounts are created every second.
So is a degree in Emerging Media worth it? Yes, a degree in Emerging Media is worth it if you want expertise in a field that is guaranteed not to become outdated or taken over by automation in the near future. In an increasingly digital world, you’d be hard pressed to find a more relevant and valuable skillset than a command of emerging media. And as developments in new media continue to accelerate, businesses are desperate to hire media and tech professionals that can lead them into 21st century prosperity.
But before you enroll into a Emerging Media degree program, you’ll want to keep reading this article for detailed answers to the following FAQs:
What Jobs Can I Get With a Degree in Emerging Media?
A degree in Emerging Media can open the doors of employment to almost any company you can think of. Here’s a list of careers with the fastest hiring rates and growth potential for 2023.
Media Marketing & Communications Manager – $133,155
As a Media Marketing Manager you’ll be responsible for developing and implementing a company’s social media strategy. Every detail, from what platforms to use to how often to post will be at your sole discretion. And you’ll be relied on to create content that attracts attention and drives traffic to the company’s website.
Sports Marketing Agent – $115,750
Sports teams and franchises operate just like large corporations. Cash flow is critical. So they depend on a steady income of ticket sales and sponsorships to meet their bottom line. This makes promotions through diverse media platforms a must-have. And that’s where the job of sports marketing agent comes in.
As a sports marketing agent you’ll be responsible for promoting a team’s brand and image across multiple media channels. And even when the team performs poorly, it will be your job to keep fans interested enough to purchase game tickets. Since a team’s performance can change drastically from season to season, creativity and quick-thinking will be critical to success in this career.
Advertising Account Executive – $83,301
This career is ideal for people with great people skills and creativity. Account Executives are responsible for maintaining client relations and seeking out new business for their company’s portfolio. Additionally, advertising account executives pitch new advertising products and campaigns in a variety of media formats (digital, social media, hardcopy, etc.)
Public Relations Consultant – $52,485
You’re probably already familiar with this career if you’re a fan of ABC’s hit show “Scandal”. Public Relations Consultants work as intermediaries between the public and a business or high-profile individual (e.g. a politician). They are often called on in times of crisis and tasked with rehabilitating their client’s image. In today’s social media-driven “cancel culture”, public relations specialists are highly sought after by influencers, public figures and lifestyle brands.
Will a Degree in Emerging Media Help Me Grow My Social Media Business Accounts?
The short answer is Yes. With a degree in Emerging Media you’ll be equipped to manage accounts across every type of social media platform out there. There’s no secret formula to gaining followers on social media, but graduates of an Emerging Media program will have an advantage knowing the best and latest social media growth strategies.
Creating engaging content may be the best known way of attracting likes and followers on social media. But there is also a lesser known technical aspect of social media engineering that contributes heavily as well. Students in an Emerging Media degree program will learn the ins and outs of using SEO, keyword placement, hashtags, and other “behind the scenes” strategies that increase web traffic and drive sales.