Journalism is a very broad field and before you decide to get into journalism, it would be a good idea to get a sense of which aspect of journalism interests you. Are you interested in being a news reporter, presenter, or a writer? Or are you intersected in being a critic or a cartoonist or a photo journalist? Would you like to cover political events or sports news or write about the latest gadgets or cars? Or are you passionate about film and entertainment gossip? Does the print media appeal to you or are you more of a TV or a Radio person? Have you thought of the emerging web/electronic media? As a wannabe journalist you have so many options.
Where do you begin?
If you are still in your 12th grade, I would recommend pursuing a Bachelors degree in Journalism or a Bachelors degree in Mass Media or Mass Communications. While in college, try to intern with a media company. This would be a good opportunity to not just connect with the right people, but also demonstrate your talents. On graduation, you could try to find a job or join the MA in Journalism or Mass Communication or a related field.
If you already are pursuing a bachelors degree that in not related to journalism, you pursue a part time diploma in journalism while you are pursing your bachelors. Alternatively, after you graduate, you could opt for a full time diploma or post graduate diploma in journalism. Based on your interest, and your prior qualifications you could take either
- Diploma in Journalism/Mass Communication
- Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism
- PG Diploma in Radio and TV Journalism
- PG Diploma in Print & Broadcast Journalism
Candidates who hold bachelors degree from any stream are eligible to pursue their Post Graduation in journalism. Many colleges conduct an entrance test and also a personal interview for admission. These post graduate diplomas are generally 2 years of duration.
And I end this with a quote by Horace Greely, the founder and editor of the New-York Tribune who said “Journalism will kill you, but it will keep you alive while you’re at it.”
Happy reporting 🙂
In 2005 Jay Rege, along with his wife Jothsna Rege, co-founded Academy One, a career guidance and study abroad counseling venture. Prior to co-founding Academy One, he worked as a software developer with HCL Technologies. He holds a computer engineering degree from Mumbai University and a MBA from the Mays Business School at Texas A&M University, USA. He has also been a visiting faculty at a few colleges where he teaches topics related to entrepreneurship.