Young Brits Prefer A Career As An 'Influencer' To One In The Armed Forces, Research Finds

The study also found that young people would prefer to be a nurse or an actor (Picture: PA).

Young Brits would prefer a career as an 'influencer' to one in the Armed Forces, new research has found. 

The study by VidCon London 2020 found that nearly a third (28%) of 14 to 24-year-olds in the UK would like to pursue a full-time career as an online content creator.

This beats becoming a doctor (27%), actor (26%), police officer (25%), nurse (24%) or joining the military (21%).

It also found that youngsters would prefer careers in accountancy, marketing management and journalism rather than those in the Armed Forces.

Nearly half (48%) of young Brits ranked earnings as their biggest career motivator, followed by helping others (42%), flexible working (37%), making the world better (35%) and creativity (35%).

Becoming famous was the least important motivator at just 9%.

The data revealed a rapid shift in career ‘norms’ amongst under 25s. Only 11% believed a career as an ‘influencer’ was feasible five years ago, versus 28% today.

Economic data suggests they are probably on to something, as the global marketing industry - of which influencers are a major part - has an annual projected growth rate of 16%. 

The influencer sector is also expected to have a global value of £8 billion by next year.

Gaming influencer Felix Kjellberg, better known by his YouTube handle 'PewDiePie', was reported to have earned in excess of £12m last year alone.

It is estimated that the 101 million subscribers to his channel helped him earn £2,684.67 per minute.

Organisers of VidCon London 2020, a conference on online video, say they expect the majority of ticket sales next year to come from young fans, with many seeking professional and careers advice.

Ali-A, one of the YouTube superstars attending VidCon London 2020, said: “It’s really exciting that there is an ambitious generation coming up who see being an online content creator as a feasible and inspiring career choice.

"This is a big change, even since I started out."