How to Start a Career in Journalism?
Do you have an interest in telling stories, meeting new people or staying updated with the latest news? If the answer is ‘yes’, then journalism could be the perfect path for you. Journalists play a very important role in society. Their job is to share information with people and give voice to those who may not be heard otherwise. This blog will give you all the information about how to start a career in journalism, what courses you can pursue and why this field interests students so much.
What Is Journalism?
Journalism is the way of gathering, writing, and sharing news and information. It involves everything from news reports and interviews to documentaries and digital content. Journalists choose to work in newspapers, television, radio, magazines, and online platforms. Their job is to research stories, verify facts and present everything in such a way that it is easily understandable.
Mass communication goes hand-in-hand with journalism. Mass communication is a broader topic than journalism. It includes advertising, social media, public relations (PR) and more. This is why most students today look for a career in journalism and mass communication.
The First Steps to a Career in Journalism
Start Young with Reading!
The best way to kick things off is to read newspapers and watch the news. But it is also very important to use trustworthy sources of news online. In this case, any well-established news agency, like ANI, PTI, or Reuters, is a good source. With so much fake news these days, you will want to be a responsible journalist if that is your goal.
Improve Your Speaking and Writing
It is important for journalists to be clear and confident communicators. Writing some short news articles, writing some essays or blogging are all good options. You should also practice speaking, either to your reflection in a mirror, or speaking to friends, to practice speaking in public.
Choose the Right Course After 12th
When you are done with Class 12, you can then choose to pursue a BA in Journalism and Mass Communications. This is a three-year undergraduate qualification, where you will learn news writing, media laws, reporting, editing, digital media, and audio and video production. Many students will pursue courses at lower STUDY #1 levels that fall under Journalism and Mass Communications. This can give them broader skills, and ultimately, be able to work in news media and corporate media.
Internships are a Must
Theory is not enough. Journalism is all about experience, and you will want to gain experience in this fast-paced profession. Look for opportunities for internships with newspapers, TV, or digital platforms. Internships provide the ability to work alongside industry professionals, understand editorial deadlines, and have your work published. Although they vary in terms of responsibility, every experience will strengthen your CV.
Go for a Master’s Degree (Optional)
If you would like to delve deeper into research journalism and mass communication issues, you can pursue an MA in Journalism and Mass Communication after your undergraduate degree. This two-year program will provide you with excellent knowledge in specific areas, including, but not limited to, investigative journalism, data journalism, and media research. Master’s degrees are also useful for students intending to teach journalism, work in international mass communication, or apply for leadership positions in media houses.
Build a Strong Portfolio
Your portfolio is a record of everything you write, including articles, blog posts, video stories and audio podcasts. You will want to hold onto everything you wrote- a record of something you can show potential employers. You can create your own YouTube channel or blog site to host your content.
Be Up to Date with Technology
Journalists today must be able to use a variety of new technologies, including social media platforms, video editing tools, and website Content Management Systems (CMS). Luckily, many Journalism and Mass Communication course providers include modules relevant to new developments in digital media or convergence. Expanding your technological skills will also provide you with more options as a flexible job candidate.
Should I pursue a career in Journalism in India?
The question, 'Is a journalism career a good career in India?', depends on your interest level. Passionate about storytelling and current affairs? If you can stick to deadlines and blast through a busy work week, YES - journalism can be an extremely rewarding career. India has a substantial media space with hundreds of television channels, newspapers, radio stations, and digital spaces, creating plenty of potential and job opportunities. Additionally, the growth of various forms of digital media has created countless new possibilities for content creators, news bloggers, and independent journalists. With the right training and a can-do attitude, you can always be your own boss!
Choosing the Right College
To have a successful start, it is essential to pick the right school. Look for institutions that combine theory and practice as part of their focus. The school that is right for you will have studio spaces, editing laboratories, media equipment, and specialists in the field as faculty.
If you are looking for the best undergraduate journalism school in India, you may also want to take a look at a school such as Shoolini University. Shoolini is in Himachal Pradesh, and they have the UG and PG media and communication programs that you need in a university with good facilities and practical industry experience. Students learn through coursework with real-world examples, projects, master classes with industry professionals, and they create student-led media clubs.
Shoolini students are also given practical industry exposure. Practical In-house productions include Shoolini TV, Shoolini Samwaad (video bulletins on YouTube), Shoolini Newsletter (Print), and Radio Shoolini (Spotify).
Shoolini also has a BA Journalism and Mass Communication course if you want to begin a career in Journalism, in addition to specialisations for such as event management, advertising, and PR.
Final Thoughts
It is not an easy journey to become a journalist in India. Shoolini University is here to ease that path. The only question is - what are you waiting for? Choose your course wisely, remain inquisitive, and always seek clarity; this is the journalist's way.
