Students in the digital age have more access to media than ever. A study done by the National Center for Biotechnology Information says that over 98% of students use social media. Finding a connection between personal social media growth, brand collaboration and money-making is something many students are not aware of.
While being active social media users, students can apply for and gain various brand collaborations. These collaborations give a chance for students to increase personal online presence, earn money and gain valuable experiences.
Many brands lean into college campus representation, including popular brands like Amazon, Bubble Skincare, Princess Polly, BEARPAW and Adidas. Brand collaborations provide opportunities to create content, participate in events and promote products or services.
Anna Kate Watkins, a senior English major at the University of North Georgia, has represented several brands on her very own college campus. When it comes to Watkins’ studies at UNG, her major has played a big role in the way she communicates with brands and utilizes text in her content.
Watkins has worked with many brands as a student including Amazon, BEARPAW Shoes, Hollister and Victoria’s Secret. As a BEARPAW Campus Ranger, Watkins partnered with UNG clubs to build brand awareness and was given the opportunity to gift students BEARPAW merchandise.
“My favorite event I was able to do was surprise my entire sorority executive board with BEARPAW slippers,” Watkins said.
Some of the qualifications to work with these brands are a minimum of 1,000-2,000 followers on social media. Also being active in school clubs and organizations boosts student chances at media collaborations.
Students must be open and active on social media, posting Instagram stories, reels, in-grid posts and TikTok videos to build brand awareness and personal accounts.
“These collaborations have grown my personal media and provided me with an amazing community of creator friends across not just the United States, but throughout Europe and Asia too.” – Anna Kate Watkins, senior English major at UNG
Many brands also provide student discounts, through student email or brand collaborators. Through student exposure to brands, both the student and brands can gain awareness and credibility.
College students also have access to collectives to find more brands to work with.
“I really love HerCampus and College Fashionista! Sometimes I reach out to brands via DM or email, and sometimes brands reach out to me!” Watkins explained.
Other platforms such as Aspire and Collabstr are targeted to students.
“Don’t be afraid to network with other creators or reach out to people working with the brands on your vision board,” Watkins said. “I felt so dumb every time I hit upload on a post or drafted an email with my media kit for the first six months, but you don’t get anywhere without taking that leap.”
