Journalism as career option

Ranjan K Baruah *

We read newspaper or magazines or watch news channels every day. Many of us want to work for these media houses. The main profession associated with any media houses is journalism. Journalism is gathering, processing, and dissemination of news, and information related to news, to an audience. Over the years there has been many changes related to journalism. People who are engaged in journalism are called as journalist.

Journalism is classified into two on the basis of media like Print Journalism and Electronic (Audio/Visual) Journalism. Print Journalism includes newspapers, magazines and journals. In print journalism one can work as editors, reporters, columnists, correspondents etc. In electronic journalism one can be a reporter, writer, editor, researcher, correspondent and anchor.

This profession has demand as media is termed as the fourth pillar of democracy. Independent media is important and crucial for smooth functioning of democracy, hence it brings demands for young people who are willing to become journalist and join the profession of journalism.

There are courses related to journalism which includes Bachelor’s degree or post-graduate degree in journalism/mass communication. Many working journalists may not have studied journalism in the past but at present it is advisable to study courses related to same as there is more competitions amongst job aspirants.

There are a number of universities and institutes offering courses like graduation, post graduation, diplomas, certificate courses, etc in the country. There are also courses in specialized areas of journalism like sports, television, photo, press law etc.

There are other skills required to become successful in this profession. Apart from qualification one needs to have ideas of creative writing, ready to travel and have critical and creative mind. As there are specializations in the field of journalism, so, one may choose the area of interest and work accordingly to be more successful in life. We shall write more about electronic journalism in forthcoming columns.

Scholarships/ Entrance Update:

Cultural Scholarship: The Cultural Talent Search Scholarship Scheme is implemented by Center for Cultural Resources and Training, under the aegis of Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India. As the scholarships are limited, only exceptionally talented and outstanding students need to apply.

Cultural Talent Search Scholarship Scheme aims to provide facilities to outstanding young children selected in the age group of 10 to 14 years for developing their talent in various cultural fields such as traditional forms of music, dance, drama, painting, sculpture and crafts laying special emphasis on rare art forms.

Children whose date of birth is in between 01.07.2002 and 30.06.2006 (both days inclusive) are eligible to apply for the award of scholarships for the year 2016-17. Last date for applying for the scholarship is 31st December.

Sports Scholarship: National Sports Scholarships are awarded by National Institute of Sports Development for all talented and proved achievers in sports in school - college - university levels. The aim of the scholarship is to help a lot of sports dreams all over India to achieve the heights they wish for.

These scholarships will help a lot of parents so that they promote their talented sports children, as this money will help to meet a part of their sports expenses. Last date for sending application is 30th December.

IAF: Indian Air Force invites enterprising and adventurous men to join the Indian Air Force as Commissioned Officers in Flying, Technical and Ground Duty branches. Applications are invited from Male Indian Citizens as per Citizenship Act 1955 for the following courses commencing in January 2017 for grant of Short Service Commission in Flying Branch and Permanent / Short Service Commission in Technical and Ground Duty Branches. Last date for applying for the scholarship is 31st December.