How to make a career in journalism?

Several happenings take place across the world daily in the political, cultural, religious, educational, social and natural fields, etc. and we get all the information regarding the same delivered to us, sitting in the couches at our homes through the medium of mass communication. For the same, there is a need to collect the information and present it to the masses in the correct manner which is possible with the means of journalism. Journalism includes investigating, analyzing and reporting local as well as world events, trends, current affairs, etc.

Educational Qualification

A journalism degree is offered at graduate and postgraduate levels. To become a journalist, you need to do Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication (BJMC) after completing Class 12th in any stream from an authorized board. 

After graduation, you can also pursue a Master's in Journalism and Mass Communication.

Skills required
If you aspire to be a Journalist then you need to possess the following skills:

• Command over language
• An inquisitive and investigative mind
• Confidence, enthusiasm, patience, and perseverance
• Alertness
• Adaptive and tolerant of changing and difficult situations
• Good communication skills
• Ability to differentiate between fact and fiction
• Team cohesiveness
• Sensitivity to different views and lifestyles
• In-depth knowledge about various fields such as politics, culture, religion, social and current affairs

Journalism goes beyond writing. It includes reading and most importantly, an ability to express thoughts on a variety of topics and issues. In case you are someone who is ready to explore various opportunities every now and then, that too without the constraints of cultural upbringing, gender, ethnicity and are also ready to go beyond geographical boundaries.

Job prospects
The media industry preferable for journalism can be divided into print and electronic. As the name goes, print media includes newspapers, magazines, journals, tabloids, newsletters, dailies, and books. On the other hand, electronic media includes content delivered on television, radio and the internet. 

As a journalist, you can go in either kind of media field but you'll have to cover stories on various aspects of life which may include issues on political, financial, leisure, crime, sports, entertainment, spiritual, educational, infrastructure, technological, medical. Today there has been a tremendous increase in the number of magazines publications available in specialized categories of- fashion, beauty, family, for youth, lifestyle, education, travel, medical, technological, sports, etc, that too published in multiple languages.

Job Fields

As a journalist you can take up work opportunities in the various areas as listed below: 

• Advertising agencies
• Educational institutes
• Magazines
• Newspapers
• Portals/websites of publications
• Publishing houses
• Radio channels

If you persist to work hard and give in your complete passion into the work, then your career in journalism can be a fulfilling and lucrative option.