Interns for Influencers
(Editor’s note – The following is based on a news article written by Jennifer Miller, published 1/16/22 in the New York Times.)
HOW THEY BEGAN
CS lived at home and worked part-time for an advertising agency so she could afford to be an unpaid intern for an ‘Influencer’. CS appreciated the value of learning the business this way.
JR now manages several technology focused You Tube channels. As an unpaid intern, he learned that many ‘Creators’ are subject to online bullying.
SN began as an intern, taking photos for an ‘Influencer.’ SN now has a contract with the Influencer’s company and with a You Tube channel. She appreciates the support she received from the Influencer, who served as a mentor for her creativity.
KS noted that the Influencer for whom she served as an intern, volunteered to serve as a mentor, helping KS to connect with brands and critically consider content ideas. KS was recently hired as a full-time social media associate with the brand.
WAYS TO BECOME AN ‘INFLUENCER’
- Your video goes viral and soon you receive requests from advertisers.
- You self-invest to attend influencer boot camp(s).
- Contact an Influencer to ask for a job, perhaps starting as an unpaid intern.
- Hire consultants like viralnation.com
INTERNS FOR INFLUENCERS – highlights and lowlights
A common practice for some social media ‘Influencers’ is to recruit interns to assist their work for zero or minimal pay.
Advantages to the intern:
- Learn the business, including production skills and how to sell yourself and your product
- Potential to be hired by the Influencer or others in the business
- Introduction to a network of others involved in social media careers
- Potential to start your own ‘Influencer’ business
Disadvantages:
- Zero or low pay
- Odd hours
- Working (sometimes or often) without guidance
- Labor law protection (e.g., wages, hours, insurance) is limited
