Social media has been around for 24 years, but it seems like the industry is ever-changing with new social media platforms emerging every few years. Social media-related careers are on an increase, and the best way to begin a social media career is with a social media internship. 

Kenzie Syiem scored her social media internship by asking a senior who was graduating if her job was open now that she was leaving. Before getting this internship, she worked on her own personal Instagram and continues to do so. 

She now operates the social media for The Career Center at Wofford College, with the desire to work in the Public Relations or Marketing industry after she graduates. 

What Social Media Interns Do

Syiem indicates her favorite part of the social media intern job is getting to the root of what an organization is trying to achieve and communicate that to the general public. She says she frequently uses her ability to listen and adapt to changing and pivoting. The resources she uses to complete that is effective forms of communication, social media content tools, and a strong branding packet.  

Each job description will be different because each organization wants a different social media presence. A social media intern uses platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, Pinterest, and TikTok. Most interns will not use all social media channels but focus heavily on a few. 

Usually, the social media intern is not the sole operator of all the social media accounts. Most organizations will have a social media manager and a social media team. Usually, social media content creation is broken up by topics or by platforms. 

A social media intern will understand the basics of website design on platforms such as WordPress and Hootsuite, and how to create content for websites. Some social media internships will also require knowledge of search engine optimization, or SEO, for social media. 

You Should Apply to be a Social Media Intern If

You are an influencer or content creator. 

You have experience with creating content on social media platforms for 3 to 5 years. 

You have a personal brand across various social media platforms.

You love to use your creativity digitally.

You have experience with social media tools such as InDesign, Canva, Photoshop, and more. 

You have soft skills like organization, quick learning, willingness to ask questions, ability to manage projects, proactive communication, self-starter, and an eye for detail and design. 

Career Options for Social Media

After completing a bachelor’s degree and accompanied by a social media internship, then you will be eligible for these entry-level full-time positions in social media. 

• ​Social media manager
• Influencer marketing 
• Account manager
• Digital marketing manager
• Brand manager
• Copywriter