Today’s information-driven world relies on journalism to shape public opinion, spread news, and raise awareness. Journalism lets you bring change and report essential stories, whether you’re a journalist, storyteller, or investigator. Whether you’re a budding storyteller or a passionate investigator, a career in journalism offers a platform to bring change and report stories that matter.
What is Journalism?
Journalism is the art of obtaining & sharing news and information. Journalists monitor society by reporting on current events, examining issues, and distributing news through newspapers, magazines, television, radio, and online platforms. Journalists are the watchdogs of society, reporting on current events, investigating issues, and delivering news through various media channels such as newspapers, magazines, television, radio, and online platforms.
Skills Required to Become a Journalist
To excel in journalism, specific skills are essential which are as follows:
- Communication Skills: Journalists must have exceptional written and verbal communication skills to convey information clearly and effectively.
- Curiosity: A natural curiosity drives journalists to dig deeper, ask questions, and uncover the truth.
- Research Skills: Journalists need strong research abilities to gather accurate information from various sources.
- Interviewing Skills: The ability to conduct interviews and extract valuable insights from subjects is crucial.
- Ethical Standards: Journalists must uphold ethical standards, including fairness, objectivity, and respect for privacy.
- Adaptability: The field of journalism is dynamic, requiring journalists to adapt to new technologies and changing trends.
List of Journalism Courses
Numerous journalism courses are available for students interested in pursuing a career in this field. These include:
- Bachelor in Journalism and Mass Communication (BJMC)
- Bachelor of Journalism
- Bachelor in Sports Journalism
- BA Journalism
- BA Mass Media
- BA in Journalism and Communication Studies
- BA in Convergent Journalism
- BSc Mass Communication and Journalism
- Diploma in Creative Media Production (Broadcast Journalism)
- Diploma in Creative Multimedia and Journalism
- Diploma in Documentary Photography
- Diploma in Journalism
- Diploma in Photojournalism
- Online Journalism Courses
- M.A. in Journalism & Mass Communication
- Phd in Journalism
Each course offers a unique perspective on journalism, covering various aspects such as print media, broadcast journalism, multimedia reporting, and more.
Why a Career in Journalism?
A career in journalism offers several compelling reasons to consider:
- Influence Change: Journalists have the power to shed light on important issues, effect change, and hold those in power accountable.
- Diverse Career Paths: Journalism opens doors to various career paths, including reporting, editing, broadcasting, photojournalism, and more.
- Continuous Learning: Journalists are lifelong learners, constantly exposed to new ideas, perspectives, and experiences.
- Contribution to Society: Journalists play a crucial role in shaping public opinion, fostering informed citizens, and promoting transparency in society.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for journalism courses after 12th can vary depending on the specific course and institution. However, a standard requirement is a high school diploma or equivalent. Some courses may have additional admission tests or interview processes to assess a student’s aptitude for journalism.
Career Prospects
A degree or diploma in journalism opens up a world of career prospects. Graduates can pursue roles in:
- Print Journalism: Working for newspapers and magazines as reporters, editors, or columnists.
- Broadcast Journalism: Reporting for television and radio, including news anchoring and field reporting.
- Online Journalism: Writing for news websites, blogs, and digital publications.
- Photojournalism: Capturing news through compelling photographs.
- Editorial Roles: Editing and proofreading content for accuracy and clarity.
- Freelancing: Many journalists opt for freelancing, contributing to multiple publications on various topics.
Job Opportunities in Journalism
1. Journalist
A journalist is a professional who investigates, gathers, and reports news and information to inform the public about current events, issues, and developments.
2. Content Writer
A content writer is a creative writer who produces written material for various platforms, including websites, blogs, articles, and marketing collateral, with a focus on engaging and informing the audience.
3. Public Relations Specialist
A public relations specialist is responsible for managing an organization’s reputation by creating and maintaining positive relationships with the public, media, and stakeholders through strategic communication and messaging.
4. Media Planner
A media planner is an advertising professional who strategizes and selects the most effective media channels, such as television, radio, print, or digital platforms, to reach target audiences and achieve marketing objectives.
5. Social Media Manager
A social media manager is responsible for planning, executing, and managing an organization’s social media presence and campaigns, engaging with the online community, and monitoring the impact of social media strategies.
Online Journalism Courses for Future Journalists
You can also pursue short-term online journalism courses in Mojo, advertising, public relations & digital media, etc. Alongside BJMC or MJMC Courses. There are more opportunities than ever for aspiring journalists to launch their careers, thanks to the growth of digital media and the availability of journalism courses after the 12th. Regardless of where they live, students can now more easily acquire the required knowledge and abilities thanks to the rise of online journalism courses.
Scope & Salary
The annual salary of a journalist ranges from INR 2.33-9.58 lakh. Even as an intern, you can easily earn 10k -20k in big media companies. Also, media houses hire unpaid interns at a mass level every year to groom young journalism students. With the rise of digital media and the accessibility of online journalism courses after the 12th, aspiring journalists have more avenues than ever to kickstart their careers. The emergence of online journalism courses has made it easier for students to gain the necessary skills and knowledge, regardless of their geographical location.
Conclusion
These days many people are still unaware of the fact that students can pursue journalism courses after 12th class So, if you have a passion for storytelling, a curiosity about the world, and a desire to make a difference, journalism could be the perfect career path for you. It’s a journey filled with challenges and rewards, and in an era where information is power, journalists are the torchbearers of truth. Embrace the opportunities, explore online journalism courses, and offline courses, and embark on an exciting career in journalism after the 12th class itself.