Innovative Thinking: Majoring in Social Media

If you haven't already noticed, the social media train left the station a while ago. There isn't a day that goes by when I don't hear someone talking about Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn and the countless other platforms that pop up every single day. This stuff is important, and it is becoming even more important as the use of mobile smartphones and tablets continue to skyrocket in popularity.

Here's the thing, when it comes to social media: I don't know all the ins and outs, but I try what tactics I can, to benefit Avnet Inc. (NYSE: AVT). What I do know is that it is important to invest in someone who does get it.

I recently spoke with representatives of a major US university about a new degree program it's developing that's all about communication in this new digital and mobile world. This degree would give students the technical skills needed to enable them to effectively use new technologies. These graduates will be trained to not only implement the technology but to understand the social, cultural, and professional implications of their digital work. Sounds innovative to me.

We have all read the stories about students not finding jobs when they graduate. Well, this is a superb entry job. There is a growing need among B2B and, of course, B2C companies for people with this expertise, and I think this degree program will prep students for a career starter. This would easily prepare these young folks for internships as well, which I feel is vital for students.

This type of a role will expose the student to a wide variety of disciplines that are transferable to many other areas in marketing, communications, employee morale, community, and public relations. This role is important and new to most departments, so they will be noticed as well. If they do well they can easily move on to other opportunities.

Going forward, I think that having a solid understanding of how to effectively communicate using technologies of today and tomorrow will be key to having a successful career in these fields. What do you think? Does it make sense?