Social Media: coming to a school near you?
- Posted by Jo Lynn Agee on February 4th, 2010
filed in Advertising, Marketing, Media Buying, Non-Traditional Media, Social Media |
Is traditional going to become non-traditional media? Well it seems that the ever-evolving social media is the latest and greatest form of marketing and advertising. Newspaper is close to extinction, TV and cable spots can be fast-forwarded and people are tuning into satellite radio.
I went to MSU’s career fair earlier this week. All the students were familiar with social media and a few of them seemed to have a better grasp on it than others. What I’m really trying to say is - it should become a staple class among advertising college courses today. And it should be integrated into media buying courses as well.
I know it changes daily - but that’s the purpose of classroom discussions. Keeping it fresh!
February 5th, 2010 at 9:52 am
I agree. Didn’t you think the career fair was kind of refreshing though? It’s cool to see how different the teachings are after such a short time (I did only graduate from MSU 6 years ago). My guess will be that in a year or so social media will be a mandatory course for all students.
February 5th, 2010 at 10:13 am
Absolutely it should be taught. I’m going to be looking for social media coordinators very soon and I’m not sure where they’re going to come from - other than just finding ad/marketing students who have a grasp of it on their own. And as you noted, that’s very hit or miss. There’s no doubt that this is a medium that isn’t going away and should become a part of the core curriculum.
February 9th, 2010 at 10:48 am
I totally agree. Teachers preach that Advertising is a constantly changing medium and they have to understand that, that means they have to change their classrooms as well.
February 9th, 2010 at 1:57 pm
Yes, social media should be taught in schools. It’s definitely a medium that’s going to continue to evolve, and many businesses are still either slow to adapt or are making half-hearted attempts to “join the conversation.” My big question is, if everyone is posting, tweeting and digging, who is left to listen?
February 9th, 2010 at 3:54 pm
@Mike McClure - I know of a great one! So if you’d like me to send her resume your way let me know!
@Cole Watts - so true! I graduated a long time ago and obviously Social Media wasn’t around like it is now. I only wish it could have been.
@ER - OMG! I was thinking the same thing! Everyone needs to immerse themselves in it! Agencies in particular should invest in sending their employees to conferences, classes and more.
Ahhh! Education! New ideas! I love it!
Thanks for all the comments guys!
February 9th, 2010 at 4:51 pm
Jo Lynn: I’m not quite ready to hire yet, but I’d love to connect with her so I have a someone lined up when the time comes (and it will be soon)You can email me or connect on twitter: @mikekmcclure
Thanks,
Mike