What: Pen is mightier than the sword. Even today, the younger generation is attracted to journalism. Every day, there are several events happening across the world political, cultural, religious, educational, social and natural events, etc. We come to know about these events sitting in our houses. How is that possible? Through mass communication, providing information to a large crowd at the same time. But, for this, someone has to collect the information as well as present it. This is the main aim of journalism. Journalism includes investigating, analysing and reporting local as well as world events, trends, current affairs, and so on.

Unlike engineering or medical streams there are no preparation strategies or set formulae for making a career in mass communication. A graduate degree in the field is good to start with but a post graduate degree or diploma is almost essential to be considered for responsible positions in any organisation. Meanwhile, you need to start blogging or work as a freelance contributor to newspapers and a host of online publishing sites to develop your communication skills. Maturity, objectivity and a sensible train of thought are essential.

Starting salary for a mass communication professional could be between Rs 12,000 and 25,000. After 5 Years of work experience a professional can expect higher salary in the range of Rs 50,000 to Rs 1, 00,000 per month.

How: The most important fact is that people generally feel that journalism is all about writing. It is. However, it is also about reading and most importantly, the ability to express one’s thoughts on varied topics. Journalism is for people who are ready to explore various opportunities 24/7, without the constraints of cultural upbringing, gender, and are also ready to go beyond geographical boundaries.

Journalism courses are offered at graduation and post graduation levels. To become a journalist, one can complete a Bachelor’s in mass communication/ mass media/journalism after +2. After completion in a related graduation field, one may complete a Master’s in journalism or mass communication. A graduate (who has a flair for writing) from any other field can also opt for a postgraduate course in journalism.

Where: A professional course in mass communication opens doors for a career in films & TV, publishing, public relations, journalism, editing, direction, filmmaking, scriptwriting, production, etc. In nutshell, Mass Communication widens up the horizon of career options for a person. Depending upon personal interest and inclination a mass communication professional can choose a job.

Institution:

• Symbiosis Institute of Mass Communication, Pune
• AJK Mass Communication Research Centre, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi-110025
• Indian Institute of Mass Communication, New Delhi
• Asian College of Journalism, Chennai
• Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism and Communication, Bhopal