I'm a naive undergrad with just over 250k YouTube subscribers on a topic semi relevant to my field of study. Is this so something I should mention on grad apps or will admission officers think I'm an e-wh0r3 who adds nothing of value to society (not that Soc does)?
Will being a youtuber help my Soc career?
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I don't really have experience with admissions, but my lay opinion is that obviously don't use it as a sign of knowledge, but use it to show enthusiasm in the field, enthusiasm in learning, etc. It seems something to put in the 'hobbies' section of a letter, that nicely relates to studies.
It also shows good communication skills?
But I guess older people won't know how difficult running a YT channel is, so weigh it up. Put it in but don't make it centre by any means. It's always going to be ad-hoc.
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if it shows up in a google search of your name, I would mention it anyway. IF the topic is adjacent, you could also mention it saying you are very enthusiastic and this is your attempt at public knowledge exchange.
Its tough to know what some more conservative faculty members might think, I personally would weigh it positively. -
I've thought about starting a social science podcast, or perhaps contributing to one as part of a larger team. Interviewing people with new books, important articles, etc.
The problem with this approach is that you are giving potential detractors hours and hours of content to search through. They might find one example of a poorly timed joke or offhand comment and it tanks your whole career.
Plus, this typically won't matter for T&P.