Everything you need to know before choosing this profession!!
Do you enjoy performing in-depth investigations on any issue that interests you? Is Wikipedia your best friend, and writing your passion?
Do you enjoy solving crimes, watching detective shows, and telling amazing stories to your friends? Then you are unquestionably cut out to be a journalist.
A journalist is someone who is responsible for honestly reporting on what is happening in the world. Journalism covers a wide range of issues and includes print, audio, video, and other modes of reporting.
This article will discuss what a journalist does, how to become a Journalist after 12th, and the abilities and skills you’ll need to master in order to succeed in this line of work.
Who is a Journalist?
A journalist is someone who acquires information in the form of text, audio, or photographs, transforms it into newsworthy form, and then disseminates it to the public. They are storytellers who write and report on a wide range of topics, from social issues and politics to sports and entertainment and educate and inform the public about current events and topics, as well as how they affect their lives.
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How to become a Journalist?
Step 1: Stream Selection
After 10th grade, you can pursue any stream (arts, commerce, or science) to embark on a career in journalism. The minimal educational requirement for pursuing a degree in journalism is 10+2. If you want to pursue a career in journalism, courses in English, social sciences, humanities, and other related fields may help you develop your skills and critical thinking.
Step 2: Educational Qualification
How to become a journalist after 10th:
The diploma in Journalism is a two-year program that provides professional training in writing for newspapers and magazines, as well as broadcasting news on channels and television.
Most universities that offer Diploma in Journalism programs admit students based on their performance in a relevant entrance test as well as a personal interview during which their general aptitude is tested.
COLLEGE | LOCATION |
University of Mumbai | Mumbai |
Xaviers Institute of Communication | Mumbai |
IIMC | New Delhi |
Fergusson College | Pune |
Kamala Nehru College | Delhi |
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How to become a Journalist after 12th
After passing the entrance exam, you can continue your study by pursuing several courses in mass media, communication, and journalism to complete your bachelors followed by a master’s degree in the same.
There are several universities that offer their own entrance exam for journalism studies after the 12th grade, such as IPU CET, IIMC Entrance Exam, and so on. You must have passed 12th grade in any subject, including business, arts, and science, from a recognized board to appear for the exam.
- Courses for Journalism in India:
COURSE | DURATION |
Bachelor in Journalism and Mass Communication | 3 Years |
Bachelor of Journalism | 3 Years |
BA in Mass Media | 3-4 Years |
BA in Journalism | 3 Years |
BA in Convergent Journalism | 3 Years |
Bachelors in Sports Journalism | 3 Years |
BA Journalism & Communication | 3 Years |
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- Top Colleges for Journalism in India:
COLLEGES | LOCATION |
Lady Shri Ram College for Women | New Delhi |
Savitribai Phule Pune University | Pune |
St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata | Kolkata |
Madras Christian College, Chennai | Chennai |
Kamla Nehru College | New Delhi |
Banasthali Vidyapeeth | Jaipur |
International Institute of Mass Media, New Delhi | New Delhi |
St. Xavier’s College | Mumbai |
KC College | Mumbai |
HR college | Mumbai |
- Courses for Journalism abroad:
Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication is one of the most popular degrees pursued to study abroad. The bachelor’s degree program abroad is usually three years long, but some colleges offer it as a four-year program as well.
If you intend to study abroad, you will be needed to submit English language competence scores such as IELTS, TOEFL, and others, as well as a Statement of Purpose and Letters of Recommendation.
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- Top Colleges to pursue Journalism from Abroad:
COLLEGES | LOCATION |
University of the New South Wales | Australia |
University of Queensland | Australia |
Boston University | USA |
Massey University | New Zealand |
Auckland University | New Zealand |
London School of Economics | UK |
Stanford University | USA |
University of California | USA |
University of Melbourne | Australia |
Columbia University | USA |
Step 3: Certification Courses
The certification course in journalism lasts one year. Students interested in learning and improving their skills in communication, journalism, and related disciplines can enroll in this course as it enables working professionals to improve and update their knowledge while earning a formal degree.
The course requires a minimum of 10+2 from any recognized board or equivalent.
Top Colleges providing certification courses for Journalism:
COLLEGES | ANNUAL FEES(INR) |
Mohanlal Sukhadia University | 3,000 |
Dayanand brajendra Swarup College | 5,000 |
Dev Samaj College for Women | 1,300 |
Jamshedpur Women’s College | 1,600 |
Jaya College of Arts and Science | 30,000 |
Mandsaur University | 30,200 |
C.M. College | 6,000 |
Step 4: Job Prep required
You are undoubtedly aware of the significance of first impressions given your expertise in communications. For the same, you can try the following:
- Make your resume stand out by customizing it for each job opportunity in public relations. Then, create a stellar cover letter that grabs the eye of your potential employer, outlining why you would adore working for their company and the creative changes a public relations specialist like you can bring to their team.
- Maintain Portfolio:
- Mention any high-quality assignments during your bachelor’s degree.
- Projects accomplished during on-the-job training, an entry-level position.
- Samples demonstrate your relevant talents for the job you’re looking for.
- Internships often provide valuable work experience. You can complete several internships to understand better the field in which you want to work.
You can find significant internships and job chances by contacting your seniors and university faculty.
6 Skills required to become a Journalist:
- Communication
- Attention to detail
- Digital Literacy
- Reasoning and Objectivity
- Journalism knowledge
- Research skills
Salary range of a journalist in different countries:
In India, a journalist makes an annual pay of INR 3.86 lakh. Including shared profits and bonuses, it goes from INR 1.7 lakh per year to INR 9.91 lakh per year. The average salary for newcomers in this sector with less than a year of experience is INR 3 lakh.
Top recruiters in India for Journalism:
- Hindustan Times
- Times Group
- The Pioneer
- The Hindu
- India Today Group
- Outlook
- Zee TV
- India TV
- Network 18
Top recruiters abroad for Journalism:
- BBC
- Reach PLC
- Financial Times
- The Telegraph
- Thomson Reuters
- News UK
- ITV
- Daily Mail and General Trust
That’s all for now guys!! Want to know more keep visiting us. See you soon…
FAQs related to becoming a Journalist after 12th in India
Which of the best universities offer programs in journalism?
Some of the top universities in India that offer journalism programs include Jindal Global University, Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Chandigarh University, Calcutta University, Indian Institute of Journalism and New Media, Madras Christian College, Xavier Institute of Communications, etc.
Is it possible for a journalist to freelance?
Yes, a journalist can develop a story and then sell it to various news organizations, publications, or television channels.
What is the best journalism course?
Following graduation, these are the most well-liked journalism courses:
MA in Journalism and Mass Communication]
Journalism Masters or MA.
Photojournalism master’s degree.
Journalism and mass communication graduate degree.
Multimedia MA.
Radio and TV Production PG Diploma
Communication Masters degree.
Is journalism a high-paying job?
In India, a journalist makes an annual pay of INR 3.86 lakh. Including shared profits and bonuses, it goes from INR 1.7 lakh per year to INR 9.91 lakh per year. The average salary for newcomers in this sector with less than a year of experience is INR 3 lakh.
What does a reporter do?
A journalist, or reporter, is in charge of gathering information, employing a fair and unbiased viewpoint, and creating news pieces and tales about actual events. They are responsible for conducting expert interviews, acquiring first-hand information, and compiling an outline into a coherent narrative.
What subjects are taught in journalism?
In the majority of journalism and mass communication courses, the following topics are primarily covered:
The basics of journalism.
Mass communication introduction
Editing methods.
Indian Constitution and media laws.
Reporting Procedures.
Media Control.
Public relations and advertising.
journalism history,