Guide to a Career in News & Media

A career in news and media is exciting and dynamic. It means staying up-to-date with the latest happenings, producing compelling content, and shaping public opinion. Whether interested in reporting current events, producing entertaining video content, or writing feature articles, you can take many different paths in this field.  

While this career can be both challenging and rewarding, it requires hard work, dedication, and a passion for storytelling. But, with the right training, experience, and network, you can have a successful and fulfilling professional life in this field. In India, media and mass communication are expanding rapidly, and there is high demand for passionate and skilled professionals.  

So, let’s delve into the scope and career prospects after a degree in Journalism & Mass Communication. 

What is Journalism & Mass Media? 

Journalism involves collecting, assessing, creating, and presenting news and information. Mass communication is an integral part of this process as it provides the means for disseminating information to a broad audience. Both these activities make invaluable contributions to maintaining a healthy and informed society.  

Benefits of pursuing Journalism & Mass Communication 

The mass media industry is expanding rapidly, offering lucrative jobs that bring recognition and travel opportunities. Let’s learn more about the advantages of this demanding yet fulfilling profession. 

• Strong Foundation in Writing and Communication Skills: Journalists should be able to write in a clear, concise, and unbiased language. A degree in this field offers students a solid foundation in writing, including how to write for various audiences and mediums, such as print, online, and broadcast journalism. 
• Hands-On Experience: Many journalism degree programs offer students hands-on experience through internships and other experiential learning activities. This helps them build their portfolio, acquire top-notch skills, and develop connections essential for success in journalism. 
• Exposure to Cutting-Edge Technology: Journalists must stay abreast of recent technologies and tools. A degree in journalism provides valuable exposure to advanced technologies and techniques, equipping students with the essential skills to thrive in this ever-evolving field.   
• Preparation for a Wide Range of Career Paths: Aspirants gain the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue various career paths, including print and online journalism, broadcasting, public relations, and more. This degree is essential for anyone seeking a successful career in journalism. 
• Ethics Provide a Foundation: Ethics are the set of principles and standards that guide journalists in their work, ensuring that they uphold truth, accuracy, fairness, objectivity, and independence in reporting. These principles include protecting sources, avoiding conflicts of interest, avoiding plagiarism and fabrication, and ensuring the privacy and dignity of those involved in news stories.  

Career Paths in Journalism & Mass Communication 

Students can explore many potential options after a degree in Journalism & Mass Communication. These include:  

1. Television

You can enter the media industry and investigate a variety of profiles, such as those for producers and directors of television and films. Individuals with this degree can also work as scriptwriters, video editors, 3D designers, graphic designers, and animators, among other professions. 

2. Journalism

One of the most thrilling professions, journalism is a preferred choice. After a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication, students gain the necessary expertise and understanding to produce and publish news stories to the masses. 

3. Digital Marketing Expert

In this technology-dominated era, digital marketing is a booming and trending field worldwide. The range of specialised career options is varied. This includes SEO, SEM, content creation, graphic design, email marketing, social media marketing, inbound marketing, and online analytics. 

4. Radio Jockey (RJ)

Radio jockeys create and deliver entertaining and informative content. To become a radio jockey, you need a combination of talent, experience, and skill-intensive education. It is important to have a strong passion for music and an engaging personality that can connect with the audience. 

5. Social Media Executive

As a social media executive, you work and disseminate ideas. The sharing of videos across all creative endeavours, from advertisements to events to charitable causes, falls within the purview of the social media director. 

6. Content Creator/Developer

Content creators can work in a variety of fields, such as marketing, advertising, journalism, entertainment, education, and more. Their main responsibility is to create engaging, informative, and/or entertaining content for the target audience.  

7. Public Relations Professional

With a degree in Journalism & Mass Communication, you'll have the most vital interpersonal, managerial, negotiating, and communication skills for jobs in the public relations industry. Leading businesses continuously seek skilled individuals who can successfully represent their brand, establish a vast network, and forge valuable relationships in the industry. The need for PR specialists has skyrocketed as organisations have become more conscious of the importance of their brand image. 

8. Publicity/Advertising Industry

Students are introduced to advertising and how to apply it. Advertising is the process of using an idea to market your goods. Here, creative thinking is the key.  

9. Broadcasting and Production

Additionally, a degree in Mass Communication might help you land a job on the assembly line. Such careers include film production, television production, editing, camera work, screenwriting, and art direction. 

Why pursue Journalism & Mass Communication at Shoolini University 

The first step to becoming a trained professional is enrolling in a top Journalism and Mass Communication program. The skill-intensive education will also provide an invaluable opportunity to collaborate and network with creative and highly educated individuals who can help you succeed.  

• Rankings & Accreditations: Shoolini University is UGC Approved and NAAC Accredited. In addition, it has consistently been ranked among the top 100 universities by NIRF and is the No.1 Private University in India (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023). 
• Experienced Faculty: Vipin Pubby, a veteran journalist with more than 40 years of experience and a former editor of The Indian Express, heads the School of Media and Communications at Shoolini University. Experts from radio, television and other media are also invited to lead seminars and present interactive lectures. 
• Extensive Courses: With an impressive array of courses, specialising in any media and mass communication program at Shoolini will be highly advantageous for you. Courses range from undergraduate to doctorate level and provide an opportunity to gain valuable insight into the field and hone the skills necessary to excel in the industry. 
• Industry Exposure: Industry exposure is invaluable, and the Shoolini faculty ensures every student embraces it. Leading media houses such as Indian Express, Times of India, The Tribune, Red FM, and more offer paid internships to Shoolini students. 
• Practical Training: You can hone your skills and understanding of the media industry with practical training, a core component of the curriculum. Journalism and media students publish an in-house bi-monthly newsletter. They also host shows and report events at Shoolini TV and Radio Shoolini, run by Shoolinians and for Shoolinians. The intensive skill-based and practical training that grooms students to become TV anchors, reporters, and radio jockeys. 
• Professional Network: Access to a vast network of professionals and industry experts. 
• International Connections: Shoolini University has established a strong network of international university connections, providing its students a wealth of opportunities to expand their horizons. Through these connections, you have access to a variety of resources, including study abroad programs, participating in international research projects, and collaborating with peers from around the world. 

Cutting-edge courses offered by Shoolini School of Media & Communications 

• BA Hons (Film & Animation)
• BSc Game Design and Animation
• BA Journalism and Mass Communication
• MA Journalism & Mass Communication
• MBA in Communications Management
• PG Diploma in Journalism
• PhD Journalism
• PhD Mass Communication
• PhD in Public Relations

Conclusion 

Students who complete the degree from Shoolini University have a solid foundation in writing and communication skills, practical experience, and exposure to cutting-edge technologies. They are well-prepared for a variety of job roles in any field. So, whether you are interested in radio, print, or internet journalism, Shoolini is the best choice! 

Note: The views expressed in this article are solely of the University and do not reflect/represent those of Shiksha.