Exploring a Fulfilling Career in Journalism
Ms. Swati Salunkhe in this episode speaks on Career in Journalism. “Pen is mightier than Sword” a sentence we have been grown up with and we know it’s power. When we talk about power, we are talking about something that is close to the pen and that is about writing and reporting.
Journalism is one of the most important aspects in the field of media and loads of people get fascinated by journalism they would like to report something, isn’t it interesting to watch the news, the updates which come on the mobile or on our computer screens and of course not to forget newspapers too. So, if you are a person who likes to write, analyze, and report it to the masses; journalism can just be the field.
So, is journalism only about writing? Well, to write well you need to be a reader first. There are many students who say “I like to write”, “I love writing and have written in their school magazines.” This is just one part of it. The biggest part is you need to be a very good reader and that also not only one subject; you need to read a lot of different subjects.
Journalism is a very interesting field. There are people who are journalists in the fields of sports, fashion, photography, education, politics or something related to spirituality or something related to sciences, technology, or gadgets. The are many work areas in the field of journalism itself. So, if you want to become a journalist, you can start right from the undergraduate level.
You could be taking up a mass communication or a journalism course right after class 12th or you could be taking any of the languages because journalism is not only about a language i.e. English but you could be doing your under graduation in any of the Indian languages or foreign languages too; if you want to get into that part of journalism. For example, if you are keen in the Hindi language then you could take up a B.A. in Hindi and then pursue post-graduation in Journalism.
Journalism is all about how to write, what to write, and when to write. So, First completing under graduation and then of course taking it to the next level by pursuing a post-graduation course may be a master’s or post-graduation Diploma in Journalism or Mass Communication or Media.
One more aspect comes into to picture in the sense you could be a doctor and write about different aspects of medical sciences, you could be a C.A. or financial analyst and talk about the financial aspect; you could be a fashion designer and write about fashion journalism. So, it’s generic as well as specific. You could do proper training which is related to the media field or you could be in any profession and writing would be your skill set and get into journalism.
With the educational qualification, there are certain personality traits too basically being open to criticism, you need to be very patient, analytical skills play a big role out here and also you need to be ready to work 24 by 7 and need to report on various aspects. With these personality traits, you also need to be open enough to write about different things be it education, politics, sports, or it could be entertainment.
After acquiring your degree as well as knowing your personality traits where do you work? You can work in publication houses, the media industry, content writing, and I.T. Firms to develop website content, you could be in education institutes or you could be writing for the digital space.
So, if you have the power of words in you and are ready to explore your career; journalism can be the field for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for a Career in Journalism
1. What is journalism, and what does it involve?
Journalism involves researching, gathering, verifying, and presenting news and information through various media platforms, such as newspapers, television, radio, and online outlets.
2. What career opportunities are available in the field of journalism?
Journalism offers diverse career paths, including roles such as news reporter, investigative journalist, editor, correspondent, photojournalist, broadcast journalist, and multimedia journalist.
3. What qualifications are required to pursue a career in journalism?
Most journalism careers require at least a bachelor’s degree in journalism, communication, or a related field. Strong writing, communication, research, and critical thinking skills are essential.
4. Is a degree in journalism necessary to work in the field?
While a journalism degree can provide foundational skills and knowledge, it’s possible to enter journalism with degrees in related fields like communication, English, or political science.
5. What skills are important for a successful journalism career?
Skills such as writing, interviewing, research, fact-checking, storytelling, multimedia production, and staying updated with current events are crucial in journalism.
6. Do journalists need to specialize in a particular subject area?
Specializing in a specific subject area, such as politics, science, entertainment, or business, can enhance your expertise and career prospects. However, generalists are also valued in the industry.
7. How important is ethical reporting in journalism?
Ethical reporting is of utmost importance. Journalists must adhere to principles of accuracy, fairness, objectivity, and transparency to maintain their credibility.
8. Can journalism be a lucrative career?
Journalism can be rewarding but may not always be the highest-paying profession. Salaries vary based on factors like location, experience, media outlet, and role.
9. Can I pursue a career in journalism if I’m introverted or shy?
Yes, introverts can excel in journalism by focusing on skills like research, investigative reporting, and in-depth writing. However, effective communication is still important.
