By: Safra Liyana Sukiman & Dr Nurizah Md Ngadiran

In this digital age, scrolling through social media has become a daily ritual for many. Each time we scroll through social media, our eyes are all hooked to live videos shared by influencers. They either broadcast their live experiences, expertise in certain skills, products’ review, lifestyle or just their thoughts tobe shared to their avid followers.

Amid the economic growth and workforce needs, an intriguing trend emerges: blooming school leavers are considering a career as social media influencers. They are interested in this alluring path due to the stories and experiences shared by current social media influencers whom they idolise. Some of these influencers have also expressed negative feelings towards the education system, as they managed to achieve financial stability through alternative means. This narrative resonates with many school leavers, leading them to question the value of furthering their studies to the tertiary level.

In our opinion, pursuing a degree or becoming a social media influencer largely depends on an individual’s personal goals and needs. Undeniably, both paths offer unique opportunities and insurmountable obstacles.

Several factors have to be taken into account when considering the option:

a) Education and Skills Development

Degree: Seeking a degree entails an individual engaging in academic study and honing a diverse set of skills, such as critical thinking, research and communication. This educational path establishes a robust knowledge base applicable across various disciplines, providing a solid foundation for multitude careers.

Social Media Influencer: Establishing a social media requires expertise in content creation, branding, marketing and audience engagement. Although these competencies are valuable in today’s digital era, they may not offer the same comprehensive knowledge as in formal education.

b) Career Opportunities

Degree: Possessing a degree can unlock a multitude of career paths across various industries. Numerous professions mandate a degree as a basic requirement, augmenting one’s employability and potential for higher earnings. A degree will act as a gateway to stable and rewarding career opportunities.

Social Media Influencer: Becoming a successful social media influencer can open doors to brand partnerships, sponsored content and various monetisation strategies. However, these opportunities can be unpredictable and may not provide the same level of stability as a traditional career path. The success as a social media influencer depends on trends and audience engagement.

c) Financial Considerations

Degree: While pursuing a degree can be costly, it is often viewed as an investment in future earning potential. Numerous professions that mandate a degree provide competitive salaries and avenues for career advancement. Over time, the financial return on a degree can be substantial.

Social Media Influencer: Although certain social media influencers can earn a substantial income through brand partnerships and sponsored content, this revenue stream can be erratic and might not provide the same degree of financial stability as a conventional career. Financial stability in this field is not guaranteed, and earnings can be greatly based on an influencer’s popularity and market trends.

d) Personal Fulfilment

Degree: Acquiring a degree is a significant achievement that brings personal fulfilment and pride to many individuals. It fosters personal growth and a more expansive worldview. The academic journey often leads to lifelong learning and development.

Social Media Influencer: Becoming a social media influencer can offer personal fulfilment by enabling individuals to express themselves creatively and engage with a broad audience. However, the pressure to uphold a particular image or persona online can also be stressful.

Ultimely, the choice between pursuing a degree and becoming a social media influencer depends on individual goals, values and priorities. Both paths can lead to success and fulfilment, but it is crucial to carefully consider the long-term implications and choose the one that aligns best with your aspirations and values.

In the end, the stories of influencers can be inspiring, but it is essential to remember that the journey to success is unique for everyone. Whether through the traditional academic route or the dynamic world of social media, the pursuit of one’s dreams requires dedication, resilience and a clear understanding of one’s goals and values.

-- BERNAMA

Safra Liyana Sukiman is with the Centre for Language Studies at Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) while Dr Nurizah Md Ngadiran is with the Academy of Language Studies at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM).