Career in Mass Communication & Journalism

Mass communication is the study of spreading information to a large audience through the various means of communication. Journalism is the activity of writing about recent developments for newspapers, magazines etc. It has enveloped reporting done through radio and television.

We all are connected through a web of different means of communication. Whether it’s the latest scores of Cricket matches or news on natural calamities, we get to know about them, thanks to the technology and the mass media. Mass communication is nothing but dispersing information to a huge number of people, i.e., the whole country or the world.

Top Colleges

 

USA

University of Southern California | University of California, Berkeley (UCB) | University of Texas at Austin| Stanford University

UK

London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) | King’s College London | Loughborough University

CANADA

Universite de Montreal | York University | McGill University

INDIA

Symbiosis Institute of Mass Communication | | Christ University, Bangalore | Manipal Institute of Communications, Manipal | Amity School of Communication, Noida

Many colleges in India offer a BA in Journalism. Some also have a B.Sc in Journalism and Mass Communication. Similarly, at the Master’s level, an M.A or an M.S in Communication are the degrees awarded.
To become a journalist, one can complete a Bachelor’s in mass communication/ mass media/journalism after class 12. After completion in a related graduation field, one may complete a Master’s in journalism or mass communication. However, it is not mandatory to do a Master’s in journalism in order to get a job. In fact, the best way to learn journalism is by getting on the field. Those who want to get a better understanding of various communication theories, research techniques and an indepth knowledge of various other fields related to communication, Master’s degree is advisable.
Some qualities and skills that are needed to become a journalist:

1. Inquisitive nature
2. Investigative mind
3. Alert demeanour
4. Adaptive and tolerant of changing and difficult situations
5. Good communication skills
6. Good command over languages
7. Confident
8. Enthusiast
9. Patient
10. Ability to differentiate between fact and f
11. Ability to adhere to dead
12. sensitivity to different views and life
13. Interested to know about various fields such as politics, culture, religion, social and current affairs

 

Career Prospects

Graduates of Mass Communication & journalism courses programs work in a variety of fields in traditional news media and publishing, advertising, public relations and research institutes.

Following are the various job profiles offered to graduates in mass communication:

1. Journalist/News reporter
2. Fashion Photographer
3. TV Corresponden
4. Producer
5. Radio Jockey/ RJ
6. Public Relations Officer
7. Content Writer

 

Jobs & Salary

Thanks to mass media, there will never be a dearth of job opportunities for students majoring in mass communication. News and entertainment job opportunities are in abundance for trained professionals in various roles – particularly in journalism and films. India being the largest producer of films in the world creates ample opportunities for media specialists in the movie business. Technically qualified media professionals can work for TV channels, production houses or can make documentaries on their own.

Following are the top companies in India which hire mass communication experts:

1. Hindustan Times Group of Publication
2. NDTV Network
3. Zee TV Network
4. Times of India Publication Group
5. Viacom

In order to get hired in the best firms, besides pursuing a journalism courses from a mass communication institute, you will need to possess certain specific skills or interests. You should have keen interest and sound knowledge of news and current affairs. A global perspective on various issues will also help you in obtaining the desired position. Similarly, if you are interested in electronic media, you must have hands on experience and practical knowledge on video editing. Most of the mass media training institutes offer internship programs with news channels or entertainment channels which will help you get a job after completion of the journalism course.

 

Pros & Cons

Like any other career option, studying mass communication too has its positives as well as a flip side.

Advantages:

1. Recognition, fame and money
2. Challenging work opportunities
3. Travel as you work
4. Job satisfaction

Disadvantages:

1. Hectic schedule and erratic timings
2. Personal life may get affected
3. Stress and pressure (journalists often face political or social pressure)

 

Visual Communication

Visual communication is a creative process that blends art and technology to communicate ideas and information visually. A visual designer works with an array of communication mediums and tools in order to convey message to the audience.