# Social Media Industry & Portfolio Canonical URL: ## Overview Social media has created a whole new industry field for careers. Many are under the marketing or public relations umbrella. These careers include social media management, content creation, and much more. In this course, students will create an earned-first creative project for their portfolio as well as update their resumes and social media presence to be prepared for these new social media job opportunities. ## What you'll learn - Learn about earned-first creative thinking - Create personal ideas and learn how to showcase them in a portfolio - Resume and LinkedIn optimization - Social media presence optimization ## Prerequisites Participants should have knowledge equivalent to the [Social Media Marketing Certificate](/certificates/social-media-marketing) (which includes this course). ## Curriculum ### Section 1 - Brand Research & Building #### Understanding the Competitive Landscape - Examples of successful social campaigns - Examples of social media portfolios #### Build Your Brand - Research brand goals - Define target audience - Define what makes you unique - Determine brand voice - Determine your visual identity - Consistency in online presence - Creating your own brand image with references #### Understanding the Earn-First Approach - Establish your audience’s needs - Earn-first approach - How to make creative ideas - Incorporating gamification and/or call-to-action ### Section 2 - Social Campaign Development #### Portfolio Project Brief - Introduction to client brief - Establish a target audience - Establish a project purpose #### Portfolio Project Development - Establishing the project challenge - Creating a valuable insight through research - Develop a big idea solution - Create concept mock-ups - Showcase how it will earn coverage through research - Establishing brand ambassadors - Media and social coverage mock-ups ### Section 3 - Networking for Social Media #### Networking Optimization for LinkedIn - How to clearly showcase your skills and experience - Sharing content and engaging the community - Reaching out to hiring managers - Finding companies and organizations to follow - Building a lasting network #### Building a Network - Compiling a list of successful professionals - Reaching out to book informational interviews - Career considerations - Conferences and Summits ## Schedule - Sep 15, 2026 – Oct 1, 2026 — Live Online - Nov 17, 2026 – Nov 19, 2026 — Live Online - Feb 23, 2027 – Feb 26, 2027 — Live Online - Mar 16, 2027 – Apr 1, 2027 — Live Online - Jun 1, 2027 – Jun 4, 2027 — Live Online ## Pricing **Tuition:** $975