By Warren Reporter

Hackettstown, April 29, 2010 — Centenary College adjunct instructor and alumnus Michael Iris tells his students they can use their age to their advantage when entering the job market, even in this difficult economy. Why? Most people in their 20s or younger are proficient in social media.

“Today’s students do not even realize that they possess skills that are currently in high demand in all industries looking to communicate their message via social media,” says Iris. “In this case, they can use their age to their advantage as digital natives and share their knowledge with the Gen-X’ers and the Baby Boomers in the workplace.”

This is why Centenary College added a “Special Topic: Social Media & Networking” course to its curriculum this semester. Assignments for this course include creating a LinkedIn Profile, researching current event articles related to social media and a final research project on the company of their choice evaluating their online social media presence. Some companies that will be analyzed include TGI Friday’s, Mandee’s, Victoria’s Secret and Marvel Comics.

“An interesting occurrence has been happening lately in Centenary’s Internship Office,” says Trish Mahaffey, Director of Internships and Experiential Programs. “I have been getting calls from companies searching for students to intern for them and establish a social media presence for their business. By offering this course to our students, I feel that it has given them insight to market themselves and businesses effectively while utilizing the skills that they are already familiar with.”

And, the results are staggering. Cara Gibson, a senior business administration major from Oxford, enrolled in this course to provide her with further insight for launching her own social media marketing company. NetGeneration Social Marketing was established this past January to help small businesses expand their horizons through social media. After the LinkedIn assignment, she connected with an advertising executive who has been a resource to her, providing her with tips and suggestions for business expansion. After she graduates, Gibson plans to do just that, plus pursue her M.B.A.

“I had in interest in social media before and had made a commitment to start this business,” says Gibson. “Now after taking this course, I am truly inspired to continue along this entrepreneurial path.”

Iris currently works as a social media coordinator for the Admissions Department of Berkeley College, a new position that was established in 2009. He is responsible for promoting and improving overall exposure of Berkeley College online via social media. He holds an M. S. degree in Graphic Communications and Technology Management from Kean University and a B.S. degree in Marketing and Management from Centenary College.

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