With so many private channels, newspapers, magazines, radio stations and websites emerging, career prospects for a journalist are bright in this part of the world provided that he/she finds a reasonable employer which does not tests employees’ patience when it comes to pay raise, bonus and other perks.
To become a journalist, you are required to have a formal degree in mass communication / journalism. In addition to this, a degree in international relations is also preferred. Those who want to become English language journalists may also opt for a degree in English literature or linguistics. English journalists have many advantages that Urdu journalists don’t enjoy for example English newspapers and TV channels pay quite better as compared to the Urdu ones. Various fellowships and scholarships that are offered to the journalists by the foreign countries are only for those who work in English language newspapers and channels. Therefore, excellent English language skills — both written and oral — contribute a lot in making you a successful journalist. Besides, a deep insight of the current affairs is a must for those covering serious issues in journalism.
It is also seen that some people who don’t have a degree in mass communication or journalism also work as a journalist. The reason is that they have a flair for journalism and not always degree or formal education can give you the job of your dreams; many a times it is your hidden talent that gives you the job of your choice. Thus we see engineers and MBAs working as journalists in prestigious media organisations.
Journalism is broadly categorised into two fields: editing and reporting. The work of editors is mainly confined to office while reporters have to work in the field. The reporters cover events, press conferences; interview celebrities, politicians and general public too. They collect data, then compile it in the form of a news report and deliver it to the editor.
The editorial team consists of sub editors, assistant editors and chief editor. The sub editors are responsible for editing the stories that reporters deliver. They check it for language, grammar and spelling errors. They make the story more readable and transform it according to the house style of the publication for which they work.
That was all about the print media. When it comes to electronic media, it is more exciting, more challenging and more rewarding too. Electronic media offers posts for news anchors, analysts, TV hosts, editors, etc.
Besides working for newspapers or TV channels, journalists have also options to work in radio or for various websites. They can also become freelance writers.
Journalism is a career-oriented job and offers a career path. These days journalism is considered as a well-paid occupation and also offers you the exciting opportunities to travel, study abroad and meet different people belonging to various fields.