How you can build a successful career in Journalism and Mass Communication?

The world is filled with information which is to be spread but can be misused as well if not put in correct hands. That is the point where the journalists come in, the people who gather and disseminate news where it is necessary and how. Journalists are responsible for the basic media circulation via different mediums starting from television to newspaper to even the new media i.e. online portals. It is also very easy to put that information in vain and thus one should take proper approach towards building their career in this path.

Qualifications and Colleges

One should have a degree in journalism or mass communication if they want to practice in this segment of the industry. To attain a degree in mass communication or journalism one should qualify through their 10+2 examinations from a recognised board. After bachelor’s degree one can also opt for a specific degree in one of the beats of Journalism i.e. sports, politics, nature etc. Best colleges are:

• Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Delhi
• Asian College of Journalism (AJC)
• Indian Institute of Journalism and New Media, Bangalore
• Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication, Pune
• Lady Shri Ram College for Women, New Delhi

Scope and Career Prospects

 There are various number of career options that one can select from because of the wide array of scope in this segment. The industry of media is huge and has prospects for people aspiring to become reporters, correspondents, specific beat reporters, writers, copywriters, proofreaders, editors, columnists, photo journalists, critics, researchers, cartoonists, broadcasters, etc. The job profile depends on the stream of media you opt for i.e. Audio Visual (AV) or Print Media (newspapers, magazines, books etc.). One can also switch between career paths if they feel comfortable in either of the two since they are inter-connected. However, certain basic skills are necessary like proper communication to writing skills in terms of both the career paths.

Skills required

In terms of every career, one must assess certain specific and very career oriented skills in order to shine out of the rest. Just theoretical knowledge isn’t enough. So, some of the major skills one must have for journalism and mass communication is:

• You need to have a really curious as well as creative mind in order to have a wider array of working space.
• The will power and attitude needs to be strong and confident to work in such a challenging career area. While one is interviewing or speaking the confidence helps and shows as well.
• Expressiveness and arrangement of the total thought process is also an important segment while working as a journalist.

Salary

In terms of salary, one can easily start with a salary of about Rs 6000-8000 and reach up to Rs. 50,000 and more with experience and time and also changing job profiles in terms of position.

This is a roundabout of what the total scenario looks like when you dream of building your career in this area. One should always remember they have to work really hard in this industry.