How to be a journalist after the 12th class. Journalists, News Anchors, and professionals in mass media have an immense responsibility towards the public of their country to deliver prompt and authentic news. It is a profession that requires a lot of boldness and a lot of knowledge, of the past, present, and possibilities of the future. Journalists have a way with words, so it is important that you score well in English while in school as well as other subjects to gain better opportunities. In this article, you will find the best tips on How to be a journalist after the 12th class.
Earn a degree
The most basic educational qualification required to be a journalist is a bachelor’s degree in journalism, Mass media, or English Communication. There are no entrance exams to get into a college offering these courses, and therefore admission is based entirely on the results of the 12th board examinations. Some subjects that are taught in Bachelors in Journalism and Mass Communication program are history and fundamentals of journalism, media law and media ethics, Indian constitution, reporting techniques, editing and desk writing roles, and last but not the least, Language Training. Each of these subjects is carefully selected to provide students with maximum knowledge so that they can make a living out of their professional degree.
Work on your writing skills
Writing, speaking and research are key components of Journalism without which the profession falls apart. Even before you decide to pursue a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication, you must be confident in your language skills and continue to work on them as you move up on the pyramid. If you are a student who has always had issues with public speaking and/or stage fright, then you may even want to start coming out of your shell to do better at your degree and your job. Volunteer for competitions and roles that require you to speak publicly and do not be afraid to fail. Work your way through from small, familiar crowds to redeem your confidence and slowly gain momentum.
Keep touch with local media houses
If you are good enough and work smart and hard you can get a job in Journalism while you are a student. Expand your circle by getting to know and writers, editors, and media personnel who work various jobs and observe the kind of work they do and the roles they handle. There are plenty of local news sources that aim to provide the public with information through innumerable resources such as YouTube Channels, Blogs, Social media, local newspapers, and magazines. Journalism and Mass communication are all about communication and networking, as is evident by the name, and you must work relentlessly to build that network for yourself as it will come handy some time or the other. Through such experiences, you will learn a lot from those who work above you and those who work alongside you. This tip helps you to how to e a journalist after the 12th class.
Get an internship
Though some courses and degrees such as architecture, medicine, and engineering require their students to complete an internship to gain two credits or more, a Journalism and Mass communication degree requires only one credit through internships. However, this does not mean the students must not strive to achieve the absolute best by putting in maximum efforts. Internships are a way to understand and blend with the work environment in a much smoother manner when you get a real job. It benefits everyone, from the students to the college to the companies and organizations providing these internships.
Higher qualifications
The more you learn, the more you grow, and the better your future is. A huge number of colleges across the country provide a postgraduate program in Journalism and Mass Communication know as Master (of Arts) in Journalism and Mass Communication and/or Media. It is a two-year postgraduate program that, unlike the undergraduate degree, aims at providing both theoretical and practical knowledge to students. The study subjects in a more real-world scenario such as public relations, digital and social media marketing. Higher qualifications undoubtedly look more impressive on a resume when applying for jobs after or during your master’s degree as they make the employer believe the candidate has a good understanding and knowledge of the subjects and will be able to cross the benchmark. This tip helps you to how to e a journalist after the 12th class.
Job Responsibilities
Journalism is said to be a profession that requires plenty of guts and passion, and it is rightly said so. We have seen with our own eyes the kind of dangerous circumstances journalists encounter while reporting news – whether it be reporting live from the terrorist captured Taj Hotel or directly through the scenes of riots in the country, journalists put everything at stake for their profession. News reporting is not all that a Journalism degree will get you though, as there are plenty of other job roles to fill in such as direction or production, screenwriting or film-making, writer, or editor. The list is endless. This tip helps you to how to e a journalist after the 12th class.
