How to Become a Journalist?

Are you amazed by top journalists shelling the wrongdoers, springing around in action with a microphone, or writing articles that shuddered the entire system? Do you have a curious mind that is waiting to make a positive change and question society rightfully?  You could do all of that and more by studying Journalism. Journalism is known as the first draft of history and the fourth pillar of democracy. Become the voice 'of' the masses and 'for' the masses. Pursue a career as a journalist and initiate a change that the world needs to witness.

What is Journalism?

The role of journalism and a journalist is to report unbiased information about every concerning and relevant activity or incident around the world. It is the act of administering and presenting information about several global incidents with proof and evidence. Various subjects like English, Political Science, Economics, Communication Research, Newspaper Management, Media Laws & Ethics, Advertising & Public Relations, etc., constitute Journalism.

The types of journalism careers can broadly be classified into 8 categories:

• Political Journalism
• Investigative Journalism
• Sports Journalism
• Celebrity Journalism
• Crime Journalism
• Business Journalism
• Arts Journalism
• Education Journalism

These 8 streams broadcast information through several mediums like print, broadcast, digital, and transit media.

Importance of Studying Journalism:

Journalism holds a vital and significant role in society. It is one of the most exciting, challenging, and fulfilling careers.

Here are the points why studying journalism is important: 

• Discover New Information: Students gain on-field and comprehensive knowledge about several things regularly. They experience boundless learning and immense exposure to the world.
  
  
• Evolving Industry: The industry of journalism and mass media is growing rapidly and is expected to continue rising. It is taking the shape of various forms with the acceleration of digitalization and social media.
  
  
• Job Opportunities: Journalism offers some of the most prestigious and reputed jobs. The field holds a variety of streams for diverse job opportunities. Students experience a prominent and financially rewarding career.
  
  
• Personal Development: Aspirants with a curious mind and a powerful will can do wonders in a career as a journalist. They develop several interpersonal attributes like communication, diplomacy, confidence, accepting criticism, clarity in presenting information, etc.
  
  
• Work for Citizens: Through journalism, students learn how to provide citizens with the information they want and need to know. They work for the people at a substantial level, being the voice of those under the authorities.
  
  
• Sustainability: There is no shortage of news worldwide that will need attention from skilled and qualified journalists. Even during job curtailment in other industries, the journalism industry was least affected and continued to thrive.
  
  
• Networking: Students build strong and effective networking while studying and working in the field of journalism. They interact with several people in various sectors resulting in strong connections.

How to Become a Journalist After 12th?

Students must pursue an undergraduate journalism course after class 12th to get into this field. They have to meet the required eligibility criteria and qualify the entrance exam for pursuing a degree to become a journalist.  

Here are all the details on how to become a journalist after 12th:

How to Become a Journalist After Graduation?

After graduating with an undergraduate course, you can pursue a higher education degree to become a journalist. 

Here are all the details on how to become a journalist after graduation:

Journalism Opportunities:

Journalism is the art of compiling and presenting information in a concise and effective manner. There are several types of journalism careers in India. After finishing your education, you can seek employment in the government or private sector. 

Here are a few types of job roles for candidates in this field: 

• Journalist
• Content Editor
• Critic
• Photojournalist
• Researchers
• Broadcast News Analyst
• Copywriters
• Public Relations Specialist
• Reporter
• Social Media Specialist

Top Institutes for Journalism in India:

Here are the top 10 Institutes that offer journalism with high-quality academics, research, and several job options.

• Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), New Delhi
• Xavier Institute of Communication (XIC), Mumbai
• AJK Mass Communication Research Centre, New Delhi
• Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU), Pune
• Indian Institute of Journalism and New Media (IIJNM), Bangalore
• Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication(AIMC), New Delhi
• SDM College Ujire, Dakshin Kannada
• Institute of Management Studies (IMS), Noida
• St. Aloysius College, Mangalore
• Kristu Jayanti College (KJC), Bangalore

Seek education from any one of these institutes to become a journalist and make the most of your skills and potential. 

Conclusion:

In the words of Henry Grunwald- "Journalism can never be silent: that is its greatest virtue and its greatest fault. It must speak, and speak immediately, while the echoes of wonder, the claims of triumph, and the signs of horror are still in the air."

If you want to change the world for the better, journalism is the weapon you need. Explore the numerous journalism opportunities that will help you bring the desired change to society. Enroll into a top college in Karnataka and pursue a career in journalism to exercise the right of opinions and freedom of speech at an influential level.