Social Media Manager
Handles a client's social image and finds the best ways for them to gain recognition online.
Overview
A Social Media Manager is generally responsible for handling the social image of their clients and suggesting the best ways in which their clients can gain more recognition online. A Social Media Manager therefore 'markets' their client, trying to elicit a favourable response from the audience.
Where they work
- Advertising Companies
- Media Houses
- Publishers
- Educational Publishers
Work environment
It is typically a desk job. You will need to work on computers and smartphones, scheduling posts every week at a time. You are expected to work in a team.
Opportunities for work exist for differently abled in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You like to work in teams
- You have strong communication skills
- You pay attention to details
- You like to lead
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
Route 1
- 1Complete 10 + 2 in any stream.
- 2Complete Bachelor's degree in Advertising/Journalism/Mass Communication or any other similar discipline
Alternative route 2
- 1Complete Bachelor's degree in Advertising/Journalism/Mass Communication or any other similar discipline followed by Master's degree in Journalism/Mass Communication
Alternative route 3
- 1Complete Bachelor's degree in Advertising/Journalism/Mass Communication or any other similar discipline followed by Master's degree in Business Administration (M.B.A.) in Media Management.
Forms, exams and applications
Exam names above are as printed in the source card. Application windows, eligibility and syllabi change — always check the official notification for current dates.
Where to apply
The course is offered by the Departments of Journalism/Mass Communication/Management. This list of institutes is indicative only.
Government institutes
- Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
- Indian Institute of Management, Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Indian Institute of Social Welfare and Business Management, Kolkata, West Bengal
- Indian Institute of Science and Management, Ranchi, Jharkhand
- Indian Institute of Management, Indore, Madhya Pradesh
- Tamil Nadu Open University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Indian Maritime University, Kochi Campus, Kerala
- Shaheed Sukhdev College of Business Studies, New Delhi
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Kolkata, West Bengal
- School of Retails Management, Pune, Maharashtra
- School of Business, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun, Uttarakhand
- Ajeenkya DY Patil University, Pune, Maharashtra
- Jain University, Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Nagindas Khandwala College, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- MIT University, Shillong, Meghalaya
- University of Technology, Jaipur, Rajasthan
These institute lists are indicative examples from the source card, not a ranked or complete directory. Always verify accreditation on the institute's official website.
Career outcomes
Growth path
- 1Marketing and Social Media Manager
- 2Digital Marketing or Social Media In-charge
- 3General Manager
Expected income
₹30,000 – ₹54,000 per month
These figures are taken from NCS and are indicative and subject to change.
SourceRelated careers to explore
Social Media Executive
Posts, campaigns and shares across the major social networks to build a brand and drive sales.
Digital Marketing Expert
Builds a brand's digital connection with customers through SEO and content marketing.
Student action plan
What you can do this month
- Read this whole roadmap and note any subjects, exams or institutes you don't recognise yet.
- Talk to a teacher or school counsellor about how your current subjects connect to Any Stream, Commerce.
- Look for a school club, competition or online course related to leading.
- Shortlist 2–3 institutes from the list above and check their official website for current admission details.
- Save this career and compare it with 1–2 others you're considering.
Example from the field
Ankita Gaba — A Social Media Strategist, a lecturer, a consultant, and as well as an entrepreneur by profession. She is the co-founder of SocialSamosa.com, an Indian Social Media Knowledge Storehouse which tends to provide hands-on experienced and professional services running in various social media projects and campaigns by virtue. She is also a founder member of Superchooha which is one of the country's first social media firms. Under her guidance, they have devised and conceptualized various online media solutions and strategies for several brands.
SourceThis profile is shared for training/educational purposes only, as printed in the source card.
Sources and update notice
- Career card source: Exploring Career Paths with Career Cards, Volume 1, printed page 167 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://bit.ly/3GW6QIY
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.