Ms. Career Girl

Reader Question: How Do I Transition to a Career in Social Media?

by · Feb 22, 2013

Will you do a post on what it takes to make a career change and work in Social Media? 

I think there are a lot of ladies out there who are thinking of getting into
Social Media but don’t know how to make that switch.

Thanks! 
Deanna

Hi Deanna,

Thanks so much for your email!  I think you’re absolutely right: there are so many ladies who dream of working in social media after heading into a less than thrilling career after college.  I was one of them.

First, I highly encourage you to read the post I wrote a few years ago after finally leaving the world of banking to start a career in social media.  It will explain in detail how I personally made the switch.  Long story short, you will have to hustle a lot (and probably for a long time) to make any career change, but especially in social media because it’s so hot right now. Be prepared to prove yourself in order to achieve this goal.

The next thing you should do is figure out how to build your social media track record.

What you are personally doing in social media will be crucial when you’re interviewing for a role in social media.

This is especially true if you don’t currently work in any kind of marketing or PR right now.  Your involvement in social media should be a lot more than having a Twitter and Facebook account.  Start your own blog, Tumblr, podcast or even Pinterest community which you strategically brand, grow and test new concepts with.  Compliment your online activities with resume-worthy social media volunteer work (help a charity get setup), teaching social media 101 classes or pursuing additional education on digital marketing.  You will need several live case studies to build your resume and your credibility.

If you’re not sure what to create a community about or how you’ll find the time to do it, pick up a copy of Gary Vaynerchuck’s book “Crush It!” immediately.  It may change your life like it did mine.

This post may require a part two and part three so feel free to ask your follow up questions in the comments section!

Good luck,

Nicole

Nicole Emerick

Nicole Emerick founded Ms. Career Girl in 2008 to help other ambitious young professional women thrive in a career they love. Ironically, growing MsCareerGirl helped Nicole transition her own career from commercial banker to digital marketer. Today Nicole leads the social media team at a large advertising agency in Chicago. Nicole also served as an adjunct professor at DePaul University where she helped develop the careers of PR, Advertising and Communications students. Tweet with Nicole @_NicoleEmerick.