India is developing day by day, and with the advancement of science and technology, the world of communication is also changing. There is a profound change in the target audience too. A lot of things are happening around us which one has to beware of. New inventions and discoveries have brought a revolution in newspapers, the radio, television and have changed the traditional ways of the news broadcast.
In today’s changing world, Journalist has a very significant role to play in this practice. Journalist plays a vital role in the growth of any nation. The purpose of journalism is to inform, educate and enlighten the masses about the things happening around them. With the change in the economy, an increase in the number of news channels, radio stations and advertising, there are numerous opportunities for all journalists around the globe.
The rise in new media has provided different opportunities to youngsters having a degree in Mass Communication like Journalism, Public Relations and advertising as a carrier.
You might also be interested in earning online by writing articles or working as a paid copywriter.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA AND SKILLS FOR JOURNALISM
For a bachelor degree in journalism, the minimum eligibility is 10+2. Some institutes and private education centres also offer one-year certificate courses in journalism.
The degree course trains the aspirants regarding editing, writing, photography, etc. After completing the course, students can go for higher studies or can choose the job according to their profile.
The courses can only educate the person in technical skills, but to be a journalist, one should have additional personal skills too. At present Aptitude is the most sought skills of the candidate applying for the BJMC – Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication. The study reveals that the three most preferred skills and talents in BJMC in the world are:
- Aptitude- one should be curious in mind, will power and present information in a precise and relevant manner.
- Communication Skills- A journalist has to be diplomatic, confident and structured while interviewing the public and celebrities.
- Content Writing- One should be able to write and produce new stories in a concise and appealing style.
The career after Mass Communication requires commitment, dedication and sacrifice of personal time to stay in front or top, particularly in the news industry. Similarly, a lot of passion for work is required for professionals who are in the entertainment or film making, which may come at the cost of one’s personal life.
Also read, Media Should Feature More Plus-Sized And Dark Complexioned Models.
CARRIER OPTIONS IN JOURNALISM
Journalism is primarily divided into two categories
- Electronic
Journalism jobs in print media are concerned with newspapers, journals, digests, magazines and news agencies.
On the other hand, journalism through electronic medium consists of television, radio, graphics, film events, advertising, corporate communications and new media internet etc.
CARRIER OPTIONS WITH PRINT MEDIA
- REPORTER: The job is to gather information and news from various sources like personal interviews, contacts, news briefing and question-answer period to keep the public informed about important events.
- CORRESPONDENT REPORTER: Newspapers, magazines, television and radio stations rely on news correspondents to keep readers, viewers and listeners informed.
- FEATURE WRITERS: Their main job is to humanise, to add colour, to educate, to entertain and to illuminate people.
- LEADER WRITER: They put their views on news topics through editorial columns. The leader writer should be able to come to a judgement in a short time.
- PROOFREADER: The job of a proofreader is to read a proof copy of a text and detect and mark any errors regarding grammar or punctuation etc.
- EDITOR: Long before the article or newspaper is published the editor assigns reporters to cover news, checks for accuracy and fairness in pieces and write headlines.
- COLUMNIST: The columnist writes for publication in series, creating an article that usually offers commentary and opinions.
- PHOTOJOURNALIST: The primary role is of the visual storyteller. By photography, editing, and presenting images, they can tell a story in a way no other media can.
- CRITIC: They sometimes cast in a role of scholarly detective, unearthing, authenticating and editing unknown manuscripts.
- CARTOONIST: They are visual artists who specialise in drawing cartoons. They make an integral part of newspaper, conveying messages or expressing public opinion immaculately.
JOURNALISM CAREER OPTIONS WITH ELECTRONIC MEDIA
- Researchers
- Broadcast Reporters
- Presenters
- Radio Jockey
- Video Jockey
- TV Correspondent
- News Analyst
CAREER OPTIONS WITH WEB MEDIA
Today the whole scenario has changed; there is a lot of advancement in journalism too. One can opt to become a Web journalist. The web journalist must be capable of writing precisely and concisely. One has to make news sharp and exciting. Editing and presentation of news, eye-catching captions and critical facts are most important.
Apart from the media industry and broadcasting career, candidates can go for other options such as Graphic Designer, Marketing Manager, Professor of writing and reporting in any college or they can pursue their own business of photo studio.
The journalist salary has excellent growth potential. The average minimum pay of a journalism graduate is around 3,70,000 or higher depending upon the job and skills of the candidate.
The best and reputed Journalism institutes and universities in India are:
The employers are very particular about the skills and talents possessed by candidates while recruiting, irrespective of the role or position. Every job requires a specific skill which gets cultivated after completing specific educational and professional courses. These days recruitment in journalism is purely based on talent and skills with emphasis on educational qualifications.
Here is the list of institutes offering degrees in journalism along with their Email ids and websites:
1. National Institute of Media Studies
Courses offered: MA/BA in Mass Communication, PG and BSc in visual communication and Fine Arts.
Contacts : Email – [email protected] Website – www.nifms.edu.in
2. National Institute of Advertising, New Delhi
Courses offered: Two years post-graduate diploma in Marketing Communications Management, Full time and two years post-graduate diploma in Advertising and Communication.
Contacts: Email – [email protected] Website- www.niaindia.org
3. Indian Institute of Mass Communication
Contacts: Email – pbapuah@ yahoo. com Website – www.iimc.nic.in
4. AJK Mass Communication and Research Centre
Contacts: Email – [email protected] Website- www.ajkmcrc.org
5. International Institute of Mass Media
Email – [email protected] Website- www.iimmdelhi.com
6. Institute of Mass Communication, Manipal
Email- [email protected] Website – www.manipal.edu/mic
7. South Delhi Polytechnic for Women
Email- [email protected] Website – www.polytechnic.sdpw.com
8. YMCA Centre of Mass Media
Email – [email protected] Website – www.newdelhiymca.org
9. INDIRA Gandhi National Open University
Website – www.ignou.ac.in
10. Sardar Patel College of Communication and Management, New Delhi
Website – www.bvbdelhi.org
11. Wigan and Leigh College, New Delhi
Email- [email protected] Website – www.wiganindia.org
12. Asian Academy of Film and Television
Email – [email protected] Website- www.aaft.com
