How to Become a Journalist?: Qualification, Career, & Salary

From the first newspaper being published in 59 BC in Rome to digital media being available one click away. Journalism has come a long way. Journalism involves the collection, production, and distribution of information. It informs, inspires, and even challenges our perceptions. This wide set of responsibilities requires professionals with superior research skills along with excellent interpersonal skills. So, if you are wondering how to become a journalist in India, read this blog carefully. In this blog, we discuss the qualifications, skills, and career options in the field of journalism.

Who is a Journalist?

A journalist is a professional who uses research skills to provide information from an unbiased perspective. A journalist generates ideas, reports on current affairs, and delivers the information in a digestible way. In today’s digital world, journalists play a vital role by capturing and disseminating news in real-time.

How to Become a Journalist in India?

If you are interested in pursuing a career in journalism, here’s how to get into journalism.

Step 1: Pursue a Bachelor’s degree

Even though it is not mandatory, a bachelor’s degree in journalism or mass communication helps build the foundation for important skills like researching, reporting, and critical thinking. You can also pursue a degree in English or any other language and obtain a master’s diploma in the field of journalism.

Step 2: Gain Writing Experience

The foremost skill required by a journalist is writing. Many people gain writing experience by taking part in college clubs and societies. You can even start a blog and improve your writing as well as research skills. It will give you full creative control and can help you build your portfolio. Another way to enhance your writing skills is by pursuing a creative writing course.

Step 3: Apply for Internships

Internships are the best way for an individual to gain experience and network within the industry. You will not only learn the foundational skills but also their application in a professional environment by interning with media houses. Internships also help you discover potential job opportunities in the domain. To learn how to find an internship check out this blog on the best ways to look for internships.

Step 4: Pick a Specialization

Specializations can help you gain a competitive edge over other candidates and also broaden your network. You can get a certification in a specialized field of journalism like broadcast journalism, photojournalism, sports journalism, and so on. Some journalists even earn master’s degrees to develop their skills and knowledge.

Step 5: Build a Portfolio

A portfolio is a compilation of your academic and professional knowledge. It showcases your skills, qualifications, training, and experience. Adding independent projects like blogging, video casting, etc, helps to create a strong portfolio. So, remember to mention the work you are the most proud of.

Step 6: Apply for Jobs

When applying for a job in journalism, you should keep in mind that the job profile matches your resume. Use your writing experience wherever needed to leave a better impression. If you don’t have experience in writing choose your best work that matches with the organization. If you are fresher look for the best resume formats to build your resume. You can also seek freelancing opportunities.

Skills Required to Become a Journalist

The field of journalism requires a diverse set of skills. If you’re wondering how to start a career in journalism, it is important to gain a few hard and soft skills. Here are a few skills that will help you to stand out as a journalist:

1. Report Writing

One of the major skills required for becoming a journalist is report writing which is also seen as the backbone of journalism. Report writing includes gathering information, investigating, and presenting the information in an unbiased manner. Remember the 3 W’s 1 H to enhance your report writing skills what, when, where, and how.

2. Researching

Journalists are responsible for sharing information with society. It is very important to check facts and only use legitimate sources. But in an era of information overload, finding credible sources of information is a challenge. This is why every journalist needs to be skilled at researching and investigative reporting.

3. Communication Skills

Interviewing is one of the most important sources to gather information. Strong communication skills help in making personal connections with people and drawing information. You need to be friendly and empathetic but also confident while delivering information. Accomplished journalists are excellent communicators. They know how to ask the right questions to draw out the desired information.

4. Digital Literacy

Digitization has also opened new ventures in the field of journalism. To make content for the digital audience, you need to possess a knack for social media, image editing, and data visualization.

5. Integrity

Integrity and ethics are one of the most important aspects of quality journalism. A journalist can make and end their career on these bases. You should always follow the rules and regulations while gathering information. Information acquired through illicit sources should never be published.

Highest Paying Careers in Journalism

In the broad field of journalism, there are several opportunities. If you’re wondering how to become a successful journalist and which careers pay the best, here are some of the highest-paying jobs in journalism.

1. News Reporter

Every aspiring journalist wonders how to become a news reporter. Needless to say, this is one of the most sought-after jobs in the domain of journalism. To become a news reporter, pursue a degree in and then work with a media house to gain experience. The field of news reporting is dynamic and ever-evolving. It requires you to present the news in different social and geographical settings. A reporter not only presents the news in front of the camera but also uncovers important facts about different incidents.

• Average Salary- ₹20.6 LPA

2. News Editor

One needs to have a flair for writing and research ability to pursue a career in editing. A news editor supervises the content that is available to the public. One of the best advice to become a news editor would be to start a writing journey as soon as possible. You can achieve this by doing internships and gaining experience.

• Average Salary- ₹18.3 LPA

3. News Anchor

If you are good at narrating stories, you might consider becoming a news anchor. A news anchor not only reads the news from the teleprompter but also anchors the news channel and keeps it up-to-date. The news anchor is the face of the news. Public speaking skills along with a knack for discussing current events, are the stepping stones of becoming a famous news anchor.

• Average Salary- ₹15.6 LPA

4. News Producer

A news producer is responsible for choosing the stories, overviewing the script for anchors, and maintaining a budget. They have a deep knowledge of video production processes. They are in charge of maintaining a smooth workflow, which requires good managerial skills.

• Average Salary- ₹19.6 LPA

5. PR Specialist

This is a creative and exciting role. A PR specialist is required to maintain a client’s public image. They craft and represent a positive image of their client. Instead of advertising, a PR specialist writes resources for media to engage the client’s audience and build a relationship.

• Average Salary- ₹17.8 LPA

Conclusion  

In this blog, we have discussed how to become a journalist. We have also learned the must-have skills that a journalist should possess, along with the various job profiles related to the field of journalism. With this information in hand, you are now ready to set forth in your career as a successful journalist. In the end, remember that while a career in journalism is demanding, it is also very rewarding. 

Further, if you are interested in starting your professional journey with an internship, refer to this blog on how to apply for an internship. 

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