A Guide to Careers in Journalism & Mass Communication

Journalism and mass communication courses draw their fair share of aspirants every year. India has a huge, thriving journalism industry – one that does not look like slowing down anytime soon.

The Indian media, on the brink of growth

It seems that the man formerly entrusted with the charge of this very industry by the government believes this as well. Here is an interesting bit of news carried by the Economic Times, “With 90,000 titles every year, the publishing industry in India generates more business and jobs than Bollywood, former Union Information and Broadcasting minister Manish Tewari has said.”

The Congress leader also went to the extent of saying that the Indian publishing industry was poised to become the world’s largest! This growth reflects the increasing importance of journalism courses in India. 

What Drives A Journalist?

If you talk to any veteran journalist with eons of field experience behind him or her, they will start off by complaining about their chosen profession. A rant that is colorful and loquacious, almost a work of art in itself, will follow. The usual complaints are that journalists have insanely long and completely unpredictable hours. They are underpaid and overworked, and have to chase after the smallest, most insignificant leads in the hopes of a story.

Then, there is a pause in the tirade, and the expression on the journalist’s face softens. After a brief pause to catch their breath, he or she shrugs, a little smile playing across their face, a little sparkle dancing in their eyes, and say but I would not change it for the world. The thrill of the chase, the feeling of achievement when you find individuals worthy of praise and attention for the good they have done, or the uncovering of wrongdoing that cause detriment to society. The knowledge that what you do on the daily basis has the potential and the power to change the world. The act of holding a mirror to society and making the people in your city, state, and nation realize that no good deed will go unpraised and no ill deed will go unpunished as long as there is a scribe around. Pen pushed behind the ear, notepad in hand, beady eyes jumping from detail to small detail always looking, always searching, and always finding people, places and things that they think society needs to know about.

They say the pen is mightier than the sword, and no doubt it is. After all, these men and women are living-breathing proof of that. All you need to topple empires, create heroes and influence the metamorphosis of life around is a sharp mind, a stout heart, and the skills needed for journalists that are honed over time.

Careers in journalism and mass communication appeal to students have a burning desire to affect change, to record humanity’s greatest triumphs and worst failures unflinchingly. Another factor that attracts youngsters to the field of journalism is its sheer versatility. It does not matter if you do not have the skill to be a professional cricketer, as a journalist covering sports, your life can still revolve around it. The same goes for if you do not have the brains to be an automotive engineer or a doctor or musician or anything you can think of. As long as it affects people, you can make a living talking or writing about it, and many journalism courses in India help students prepare for exactly that.