Career in Journalism

Journalism as a career has been one of the fields that have seen a radical change over the years. Both print and the visual medium have grown exponentially over the years and t he opportunities for journalists are endless.

Journalists work through one of the following modes of communication - the print medium, the electronic medium and the Web. Print Journalism includes newspapers, magazines and journals. In print journalism one can work as editors, reporters, columnists, correspondents etc. Electronic journalism includes working for Radio, Television. In electronics journalism jobs can be divided into reporting, anchoring, and production. Web journalists create content for Internet.

Apart from reporting news, journalists are responsible for searching out for new stories that might impact the society at large. They play a significant role in shaping opinions and perceptions about key issues that are prevailing in a society.

The job of a Journalist is highly stressful and may involve huge amount of workloads in order to meet strict deadlines. It is not a profession for the weak willed or the timeservers. An individual who wants to excel in this vocation requires specialization, professionalism, passion and complete dedication. It is an exciting and challenging career and is sometimes seen as a little glamorous. While it can be glamorous or prestigious, in reality it involves a lot of hard work.

Qualifications 

To pursue a career in this field you should possess a Bachelor's degree or post-graduate degree in journalism / mass communication. Additional course work, specialized training or experience, fieldwork or internship increases one's opportunities in this field. 

Skills

To ensure success in this field you must have an inborn ability to write and produce new stories in accurate, concise and interesting style. You must have a presentable and confident personality. An inquisitive mind, good writing and communication skills, boundless energy, the ability to differentiate between fact and fiction are essential. Intelligence, awareness, and interest in current affairs are also necessary requirements. Most importantly, you must exercise high tolerance and be capable of working in difficult conditions if necessary.

Career Options

Journalists can find employment with newspapers, periodicals, magazines, central information service, press information bureau, websites, AIR and TV channels. They can work as editors, reporters, columnists, correspondents, photojournalists, proofreaders, news analysts etc. in print and electronic media. There are also opportunities in freelance writing and editing or working for in-house and specialist publications.

Journalists usually start off with a small newspaper publisher or a broadcaster where they assist in covering small news stories. As they gain experience and demonstrate potential, aspiring journalists may be appointed to one of the following specialist areas:

• Columnists write regular segments on a particular interest such as gardening or fashion.
• Feature writers write detailed stories or present commentaries on specific news topics.
• Leader writers discuss news topics in the editorial columns of newspapers or magazines.
• News reporters write and present reports on daily news events.
• Rounds people provide comments on a specialized area such as politics or finance.
• Sub-editors edit written copy prepared by other journalists, design and layout pages, add headlines and allocate space to stories and articles.

Remuneration

You can expect to start off with a salary of Rs. 3500-Rs. 5000 as a trainee. As a reporter, you can expect to make Rs. 6500 - Rs.10 500. Editors draw a salary of Rs. 7500 - Rs. 12 000. Perks like housing and traveling that add up to a bulky amount are also provided.

Journalism is a craft with established rules, procedures and guidelines, as well as techniques and deadlines. So if you have a flair or talent for language and the urge to communicate, you can learn this craft and become a successful journalist.