Who's a Journalist?
From unearthing scandals and reporting crime to reviewing the latest blockbusters and newest restaurants in town, the life of a journalist is very eventful! As a journalist, your primary job is to give people two kinds of information: need to know and nice to know. Journalists either write for a newspaper or magazine, or host a news segment on TV or radio. Most journalists begin by covering everything, but eventually choose a specialisation like entertainment, war, politics, sports, etc.
Sounds like a great career option? Get to know it better in the following sections!
Curious about the life of the journalist? Spend a day in the life of the journalist Rajeshwari adappa
What will you do?
Where will you work?
How do you get there?
What skills would you need?
Research
Research is the systematic process of collecting, analysing, and interpreting information to increase understanding of a particular topic or issue. It involves identifying a question or problem, gathering relevant data, and evaluating sources to draw meaningful conclusions. Research can take various forms, including qualitative studies (which explore perceptions and experiences) and quantitative studies (which focus on numerical data and statistics). Strong research skills will enable you to find reliable information, assess the credibility of sources, and synthesise findings to support decision-making or further exploration. This skill is crucial in many fields, such as academia, business, healthcare, and technology, where informed decisions rely on thorough investigation and analysis. build this skill
Analytical and Data Skills
Analytical and data skills involve the ability to evaluate information, interpret data, and draw insights to solve problems or make informed decisions. These skills require critical thinking, logical reasoning, and proficiency in working with data sets, often using tools like Excel, SQL, or statistical software. This skill set helps you break down complex problems, identify patterns, and make data-driven decisions. In the workplace, strong analytical and data skills allow you to provide insights that guide strategies, optimise processes, and drive innovation. They are essential for roles involving research, business analysis, marketing, finance, and operations. build this skill
Time Management
Time management refers to the ability to plan and organise how much time you spend on specific activities. Good time management enables individuals to work smarter rather than harder, helping them prioritise tasks, set goals, and allocate time efficiently. It includes skills such as prioritisation, scheduling, and setting deadlines, allowing individuals to maximise productivity and reduce stress. This skill is especially valuable in fast-paced environments, where the ability to adapt and adjust priorities can significantly impact performance.
Adaptability
If you have adaptability as a skill, you can easily adjust to new situations, roles, or challenges without losing focus or productivity. You’re able to embrace change, whether it’s a new technology, a shift in team dynamics, or a sudden project requirement. This skill allows you to remain composed during transitions, learn quickly in evolving environments, and stay effective when facing unexpected problems or shifting priorities.
Attention to Detail
Attention to detail means being careful and noticing small things that others might miss. It involves checking your work carefully for mistakes, following instructions exactly, and making sure everything is done correctly. This skill helps you do accurate work and avoid errors. In jobs, attention to detail is important for tasks like writing reports, managing data, or following safety rules. build this skillHow do you make it to the top ranks?
Intern
As an intern, you would work in different departments, handle simple tasks such as uploading website content, looking for trending stories, etc. You would also get an opportunity to write articles or report news, which you can add to your portfolio.
Reporter
This is an entry-level position, where you would work independently or assist a senior reporter. You would work on one or two columns/sections of a magazine, newspaper or website. If you’re a broadcast journalist, you would cover small events and report live to the public.
Sub Editor
This is a parallel hierarchy. As a sub-editor, you would edit content written by junior and senior reporters. Your primary job would be making sure that a story fits in the given time slot for broadcast or given page for a newspaper/website.
News Editor
As a news editor, you would be responsible for airing or publishing stories. You would ensure a steady and continuous inflow of up-to-the-minute news in the newsroom or newspaper office. You are also the person who works with both the Chief Reporter and Chief Sub to ensure the order of stories.
Editor-in-Chief
You would be in complete charge of all the stories run or published by the newspaper or channel. You would spearhead the editorial department and the newsroom or news house as a whole. You would also look after the strategic and budget planning of the organisation.
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Pursuing your career locally VS overseas
If you have studied journalism in India, you would have a deep understanding of the field here and, therefore, find it easy to get a job here. With many new digital publications setting up every year, there is a huge demand for professionals in this career. Pursuing a BA or BMM in India would cost you anywhere between INR 50,000- INR 5,00,000 depending on the college you opt for. Top colleges from where you can pursue journalism in India are the Indian Institute of Journalism and New Media, Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication, Lady Shri Ram College, etc. While a graduation course is enough to land you a job here, you can always look forward to pursuing a masters in the field to enhance your knowledge in the field.
If you are planning to graduate in journalism outside India, establish a good network with people there so you can eventually get a job in that country. Once you decide to study abroad, ensure that you get a thorough perspective of the culture, the society, the people and build your own network. A master’s or diploma in journalism abroad would cost you an average of INR 10,00,000-INR 50,00,000 depending on the university and the type of course you opt for. You can also look to do a specialisation course in photojournalism, sports journalism, online journalism, etc. Top colleges to study journalism abroad are Columbia College, Pennsylvania University, Medill School, and so on.
How much would you get paid?
Your payscale would depend on the organisation you work for, the experience and talent you bring to the table, and the city you work in!
What are your career options?
Print Journalism
If you want to connect with people through your writing, get into print journalism. As a print journalist, you would dig up interesting stories and write about them. You would generally work with a newspaper or a magazine as a reporter or editor. As a reporter, you would go around collecting news pieces on the current happenings and events. This job will keep you on your toes and out in the real world where the action is. Editing is more of a desk job and involves editing articles to maintain style and grammar. You would work on adding headlines, kickers, and relevant photographs to articles.
Broadcast Journalism
If you’ve always pictured yourself reporting live from an event – giving people live updates – pick broadcast journalism. As a broadcast journalist, you would report news, read news, and host debates and other talk shows on the TV, internet or radio. Since this is live, presence of mind and quick wit is essential to grow and thrive.
Sports Journalism
If you are a sports enthusiast, you can get into the field of sports journalism. As a sports journalist, you would cover tournaments, events, and news related to sports. You would talk about different sports events from local football or cricket matches to the Olympics, rate a player’s performance, interview sports players and coaches, etc. You can even choose one sport that you want to cover and build your expertise in that field. You could work for a newspaper, news channel, radio channel, magazine or website.
Entertainment Journalism
Entertainment journalists interview actors, musicians, dancers, writers, etc. They are the ones who give you the inside story on the lives of celebrities, tell you which movies or plays you should watch, etc. As an entertainment journalist, you would be required to attend trailer launch events, watch movies, read books, attend concerts and festivals. You would work in sync with photographers and videographers, especially when you’re reporting live from events and parties. Life as an entertainment journalist can be very glamorous and exciting but, since most of these events take place at odd hours it can get very hectic.
Political Journalism
Are you passionate about keeping a check on how the government works? Would you like to help people understand the good, bad and the ugly of their leaders? If yes, consider pursuing political journalism. As a political journalist, you would cover all aspects of politics and political science, and present it to the people. You would report about new policies drafted, party manifestos, etc.
Education Journalism
As an education journalist, your day could start in a nursery school with kids struggling to read and end at a meeting with politicians struggling to create new policies. If you’re passionate about education, consider this beat. You would be reporting on all things education, from the different boards of education and teachers to new colleges and entrance exams. You would also look into how new technology is changing the face of teaching and report on its pros and cons.
Photojournalist
If you feel like you’re more of a picture’s than word’s person, photojournalism is the path for you. As a photojournalist, you would make use of pictures to tell a story. This would involve documenting various events and capturing precious and significant moments. You can form a niche for yourself by specialising as an entertainment photographer, war photographer, travel photographer, etc., depending on your interest.
Features Writer
Feature writers write feature stories, which are different from news stories. They feature life around us as it evolves. Typical features stories relate to fashion, food, profiles, health, travel and so on. As a features writer, you have to ensure that you have something interesting and new to share with the reader or viewer.
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