Companies seek social media experts to keep online conversation rolling (continued)

But that definitely can be a challenge at times, admitted Rodman, who notes people uninterested in social media tend to dismiss it. Her daily routine includes encouraging participation via Twitter, adding links for others to check out and making web videos that commend supporters as superheroes for donating to the worthy cause.

Despite the obstacles, she considers it a dream job.

"You don't have to be a tech-genius, you just have to be someone who's interested in playing, who's interested in conversation and who's willing to play with the medium and see how you can get people not to just talk, but to talk about something that matters."

It only takes a search on Craigslist or other mainstream job site to get a taste of the opportunities out there, from the Vancouver Olympic Committee to Electronic Arts to World Wildlife Fund to Red Bull.

Also recognizing the demand are educational institutions, many of which have started offering courses in social media, from continuing education classes like those at UBC to a full master's degree out of Birmingham City University in England.

But for those trying to break in without formal training, Samuel offers several tips:

1) Clean up your current online social profile. Ensure anything with your name attached to it on the web appears as you'd want a potential employer to view it.

2) Don't limit yourself to Facebook. Start participating is professional-oriented social spaces, like Linked-In.

3) Start a pet project. Show you have initiative and ability to engage others by starting a small project and getting participants.

4) Pick up some traditional communications skills. While social networking may be second nature, you'll win over employers if you also have some classic knowledge under your belt.

-

Would you like to comment on this story? Send an email to geny(at)theCanadianpress.com.