How to become a social media manager
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
University
Some employers may expect you to have a degree in a relevant subject, like:
- advertising
- marketing and public relations
- digital and social media marketing
- internet design
- journalism
- business management
A degree with a work placement will help you gain valuable experience and may be an advantage when you look for work.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
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Apprenticeship
You could do a digital marketer advanced or degree apprenticeship, or a digital community manager higher apprenticeship.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
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Work
You could start work with a social media or marketing company as an assistant or digital content writer. As you get more experience, you could work your way up into a management position.
You could also do qualifications through professional bodies like the Institute of Data and Marketing and The Chartered Institute of Marketing to help improve your prospects.
Volunteering
You could get experience by volunteering to manage a charity's social media channels.
You could also show that you understand and know how to use social media by:
- managing your own social media profiles
- setting up and writing your own blog, and tracking its use and popularity
- getting involved in social media for the company you already work for
You could also keep up to date by joining webinars about social media trends.
You may find relevant volunteering opportunities at Do It or NCVO.
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Further information
You can find out more about social media marketing careers through The Chartered Institute of Marketing.