Do you love sharing stories, staying updated with the latest news, and asking the right questions? If yes, then journalism might be perfect fit for you.
But wait, the real question is how to become a journalist? Do you need a degree, or what skills are required, and most importantly, is journalism actually good for you.
In this blog, we will break it all down in a simple way, from skills to salary, we’ve got everything you need to know.
Who Is A Journalist?
A journalist is a storyteller, investigator, and messenger of truth. Their job is to find and report news that matters. Whether its political updates, sports highlights, celebrity interviews, or social issues, journalists bring information to the public.
They work in newspapers, TV channels, radio stations, and digital media. Some even create their own news blogs or YouTube channels. In short, a journalist is someone who keeps people informed and aware of what’s happening around the world.
Types Of Journalist
- News Journalist
They report daily news on politics, crime, and social issues through newspapers, TV, and online platforms. Their job is to provide accurate and timely information to keep the public informed. They must work fast, as news changes constantly.
- Investigative Journalist
They uncover hidden truths about scams, corruption, and important public issues. Their reports are based on deep research, interviews, and fact-checking. Investigative journalism often brings justice and influences major decisions.
- Sports Journalist
They cover live sports events, matches, and player performances. They provide in-depth analysis, match highlights, and interviews with athletes. Their reports keep sports fans updated and engaged.
- Entertainment Journalist
They report on movies, celebrities, music, and pop culture. They attend film releases, award shows, and celebrity interviews. Their work includes reviews, industry trends, and behind-the-scenes news.
- Business Journalist
They focus on finance, the stock market, and economic trends. Their news helps investors, businesses, and common people understand financial matters. They simplify complex economic topics for readers.
- Photo Journalist
They tell stories through pictures instead of words. Their images capture powerful moments from political events, war zones, natural disasters, and sports. A single photograph can sometimes explain an entire news story.
- Digital Journalist
They create news content for websites, blogs, and social media. They write articles, shoot videos, and engage with audiences online. Their work is fast-paced and reaches a global audience instantly.
How To Become A Journalist After 12th
1. Get a Journalism Degree
A degree is not always necessary, but most media companies prefer candidates with a Bachelor’s in Journalism, Mass Communication, or English. If you are interested in a specific area like politics, business, or sports, you can also study those subjects. You can even pursue a Master’s degree or a diploma to learn more.
2. Write for Your College Magazine
Writing for your college magazine, newspaper, or blog is a great way to practice. It helps you improve your skills and build a portfolio. Having some experience will also make it easier to get a job later.
3. Start a Blog
A blog is an easy way to showcase your writing. You can write about current events, movies, sports, or anything that interests you. If you like making videos, you can also start a YouTube channel or Instagram page. This will help you gain experience and build an audience.
4. Create a Portfolio
A portfolio is a collection of your best work. It shows employers your writing style and skills. You can create a digital portfolio with your best articles and add the link to your resume. A strong portfolio makes a great first impression.
5. Do Internships
Internships help you gain real-world experience. You can work with newspapers, TV channels, online news websites, or radio stations. This will teach you how journalism works, how to meet deadlines, and how to interview people. Sometimes, internships even lead to full-time jobs.
6. Apply for Jobs
Once you have some experience, you can start applying for journalism jobs. Make sure your resume and portfolio are ready. If you want to be a sports journalist, highlight your sports-related articles. You can find jobs through job websites, media companies, or professional contacts.
7. Work as a Freelancer
If you don’t get a full-time job immediately, you can work as a freelance journalist. Many newspapers, websites, and magazines hire freelancers to write articles. This is a great way to gain experience, build contacts, and earn money.
How To Become A Journalist Without A Degree
Not having a degree in journalism doesn’t mean you can’t become a journalist. Many successful journalists have built their careers through experience and skills. Here’s how you can do it:
- Develop Strong Writing Skills: Good writing is actually the start of journalism. You can Practice writing articles, blogs, or opinion pieces to improve your skills.
- Start a Blog or YouTube Channel: you can create your own platform to showcase your work. Like, Write news articles, do interviews, or create video reports.
- Gain Practical Experience: also apply for internships, freelance for newspapers, or contribute to online publications. Because you already know Practical experience matters more than a degree.
- Build a Portfolio: try to Collect and organize your best work in a professional portfolio. This will help you show your skills to potential employers.
- Learn Journalism Basics Online: you can take free or paid online courses in journalism, media ethics, and news reporting to understand this journalism field.
- Network with Journalists: it’s a good thing to Connect with journalists, attend media events, and join online groups to learn and find better job opportunities.
- Work as a Freelancer: Many media houses hire freelance writers. So just, start pitching your articles to websites and newspapers.
- Stay Updated with News: it’s a main factor in journalism. You can start Reading newspapers, follow news portals, and understand current affairs to develop a journalistic mindset so you can actually be one!
Eligibility Criteria To Become A Journalist
- Candidates must have passed their 10+2 with a minimum of 50% marks from any stream.
- Candidates from SC/ST or other reserved categories get a relaxation of 5% marks.
- The 10+2 should be passed from a recognized central/state board of education.
- Some colleges/universities have the criteria of English as a mandatory subject in 10+2.
- For a master’s degree, candidates must have a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication with a minimum of 50% marks.
- For PG Diploma programs, a candidate must have a minimum of 45% marks in graduation.
Skills Required To Become A Journalist
- Writing Skills: Journalists must write clear, concise, and engaging content to communicate effectively with their audience.
- Research Skills: Ability to gather and verify accurate information from reliable sources is crucial for factual reporting.
- Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication is essential for conducting interviews and presenting news professionally.
- Critical Thinking: Journalists should analyse complex information and present it objectively, avoiding bias.
- Attention to Detail: Ensuring accuracy in facts, names, and dates is vital in journalism.
- Adaptability: Journalists must stay flexible to adapt to new technologies and changing news scenarios.
- Problem-Solving: Journalists should be able to handle challenges and stay calm under pressure.
Benefits Of Becoming A Journalist
- Make a Difference: Journalists inform the public about important issues, influencing opinions and driving change.
- Diverse Career Paths: Journalism offers various fields like print, digital, broadcast, and freelance, allowing you to follow your interests.
- Creative Freedom: Journalists have the freedom to express ideas through writing, photos, or videos, making the job creative.
- Continuous Learning: Every story is a chance to learn new things, keeping the job interesting and helping journalists stay informed.
- Job Satisfaction: By educating and informing the public, journalists contribute to society and feel proud of their work.
- Travel Opportunities: Journalism often involves traveling to cover stories, letting you explore new places and cultures.
- Networking: Journalists meet many people, which helps grow their professional network and open doors for future opportunities.
Salary Range Of A Journalist
As per glassdoor, the salary of a journalist depends on their position and experience. Here is the salary range for different types of journalist:
Entry-Level Journalist | INR 2 Lakhs to INR 4 Lakhs per year |
Mid-Level Journalist | INR 4 Lakhs to INR 8 Lakhs per yea |
Senior Journalist | INR 8 Lakhs to INR 15 Lakhs per year |
Freelance Journalist | INR 2 Lakhs to INR 12 Lakhs per year |
Salaries can vary based on factors like company size, media industry, and location. Journalists can also get extra benefits like bonuses, travel allowances, and sometimes medical benefits.
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Conclusion
In short, to become a journalist you don’t always need a degree but having the right skills and experience is what matters the most. You just required a good and curious mindset of a journalist. I do hope this blog of mapmycourse, gave you a clear idea of what it actually takes to become a journalist. If this feels like your goal just go for it.
FAQs
Q1. What qualification is needed to become a journalist in India?
Ans:A bachelor’s degree in Journalism or Mass Communication is preferred.
Q2. Is a journalism degree necessary?
Ans:Not always. A degree in other fields, followed by a journalism diploma, is also common.
Q3. How long does it take to become a journalist?
Ans:A bachelor’s degree takes around 3 years, with additional time for further studies if needed.
Q4. What skills are essential for a journalist?
Ans:Strong writing, communication, critical thinking, and attention to detail are key.
Q5. Can I work as a freelance journalist?
Ans:Yes, freelancing is a common and flexible career option.