What all traits one must have to peruse a course in journalism?

Journalism is a highly demanding career because it requires one to do extensive research work, travel distant places to find stories, and narrate all these stories in the most engaging way. Often news editors look for journalists who can look at world issues from different political and cultural perspectives so that they can present a neutral viewpoint to general public.  A person who aspires to be a journalist should not be opinionated and have knowledge about every news, which is of public interest. If you have a degree in humanities or social sciences and an inclination towards journalism then you can think of getting a masters degree from premiere mass communication colleges in India.

Besides a degree, attitude and aptitude are those two things that a person must possess to make a successful career in journalism. As a journalist, one should keep public interest and global general affairs in mind. The person must have hunger for knowledge and an ability to critically think about it.

Journalism is not just about flashy headlines and breaking news. A good journalist always takes a plunge to tell true stories regardless of the platform. The news stories should be high on content, bring awareness among general public and most importantly shake authorities to do something about the present situation. One may not learn all this by doing some journalism courses in India or abroad. It requires sheer hard work and experience to do quality work in this field.  

In past few decades, various forms of journalism courses have also emerged such as photo journalism, data journalism, journalism for social change, and documentary based journalism. If you are particularly good at one of the skill set such as photography, shooting, or writing then one can make a career in the above mentioned fields.

Everything you need to know about mass media and journalism

The term mass communication simply signifies establishing communication with the masses. Whenever somebody hears the word mass communication, the very first thing that pops in their head are newspapers, Press releases, news channels, and radio broadcasts.  Someone who is involved in the field of mass communication deals with a larger audience through all these mediums and brings forth the intricate realities of the society.  

As a journalism and mass communication student, one should always aim to effectively communicate with the audience and know how to access, analyze, and strategize the news. Mass communication is a vast field that encompasses exhaustive career opportunities. One can go into print media, ad agencies, newspapers, magazines or radio& TV communication, or social media that are the emerging new age form of communication.

If you are somebody who has good command over language, have the ability to communicate effectively and have the ability to present stories in an engaging way then journalism and mass communication can be a great career path for you.

There are many colleges of mass communication in India that provide quality education to the students and encourage them to dig deeper into the subjects so that they can come up with great stories. Studying with great classmates and under the supervision of experienced faculty push students to go beyond their comfort zone and deliver the performance, which is actually required in this field. During the course of their graduation degree, they watch various documentaries, manage newsletters, collect stories, and maintain projects that helps them polish as a journalist.

As rightly said by Anne Morrow Lindbergh that, “Good communication is as stimulating as black coffee, and just as hard to sleep after."

A good journalist should always put efforts to surpass his/her set benchmarks to deliver best news to the audience. Over the years their performances start getting better with the experience. 

Reasons to study journalism and mass communication

Youth of today is largely attracted towards a career in journalism. In fact, it would not be wrong to say that a career in journalism has become one of the most prestigious professions these days. There are innumerable job and career opportunities in this field from writing, editing, broadcasting to reporting and photography, that one can explore. It’s not just the availability of jobs that has made this profession a preferred choice among students. High salaries and excellent remuneration is also a major reason why more and more students are taking up journalism as a career.

Studying journalism opens doors to a number of careers where students can showcase their skills and creativity. The best colleges for mass communication in India offer courses in journalism at graduation and post-graduation level. Enrolling in any of these colleges for a degree or diploma course help aspirants learn all that they need to make their mark in the world of journalism. From history of journalism to the working environment and strategies used by journalists, students get a chance to gain complete knowledge on all aspects before they take up their first job. Excellent infrastructure, comprehensive curriculum and a team of experienced teachers available at top colleges help students get the maximum from their degree course.

A degree course in journalism from a reputed institute surely opens an array of job opportunities for all those who wish to make a career in this exciting field. Though a degree course is good enough to get a decent job, students also have an option to enrol for a master’s program for career advancement. Journalism and mass communication courses are available at post-graduation level, which are best for all those who want to specialize in a specific area of journalism. Enrolling in any of these courses will further increase your chances of getting high-pay job just at the beginning of your career.

Keep the skills polished!

The industry of Journalism and Mass communication is a pretty intriguing facet in India. From calling them the intelligent and cultured people to blaming them for rubbish reportage; the sector never falls short of amusing adjectives that they get described upon.

Despite the adjectives, to break into the Mass communication field, one has to undergo the grilling process from being a novice to a credible master on television.

Taking the first step is all that matters and eventually, we all learn our way.

Here is the list of advices you can use up to materialise and use it to your way:

•Networking and communication: In the field of Journalism and mass communication, the foremost skill that is imperative is how well you can communicate yourself to the world and your audience. Many mass media courses from AAFT pick students who are well spoken. Outer appearance really makes a difference! This field is all about good networks, and so it will require you to network well with fellow journalists by communicating your ideas and thoughts. So enhance your verbal skills and be more verbal.

•Reading: Whether you are pursuing or are already in this mass media field, you need to be well aware with whatever is happening around the world; ranging from politics to civic to international issues. Everything must be sorted and well versed. The key to polish yourself in this is by reading national dailies and news magazines. Refer to digital websites for more opinion based articles and editorials. Scour through the language in the newspapers, magazines and websites extensively day and night. Gain as much as knowledge as you can; because it is going to bring you benefit only.

The best colleges for mass communication in India often root for comprehensive framework of innovation and creativity and also preferably look for a curious aspirant. Hence, keep your skill set polished and fulfil your dreams. 

Build a creative career!

Students these days take up courses that are different from the usual. Education and career related to the varied sectors of media, from text, audio, video, digital and more have become very popular. The young generation is more interested in exploring their passions and is not afraid to take risks. This has especially been a boon to those who want to make a career in the creative fields that were, up until now dismissed as mere hobby courses.

With introduction of internet and subsequently the digital media, the category of media to more than just print and television has widened. One can take up a mass communication and journalism course to gain important knowledge of this industry. AAFT- Mass Communication is one of the best institutes to pursue this course in the best possible way.


Any International institute of mass media can offer mass media courses but only a reputed one will provide appropriate education. Same goes for the respected section of mass media- journalism. It is one of the few areas where students who wanted to pursue a career in the creative industry can build a great career. It allows such people a way to earn a living and at the same time be able to do want they like.

The fact that journalism is considered to be a noble and good profession by parents and employers alike is a big reason for the popularity of mass communication and journalism. This course teaches one to learn about different forms of journalism, its history, where it is now and how to become good mass media student. If one likes to read and write, loves to travel the world and put their opinion out there, then this course would be perfect for them. Take up the course of your interest and shine out!

5 Novels Every Journalism Student Should Read

“The habit of reading is the only enjoyment in which there is no alloy; it lasts when all pleasures fade.”
                                                   -Anthony Trollope

Journalism and Literature are two subjects that almost go hand in hand, thanks to the main idea behind them – writing. The interests of the subject matter intermingle together in a compelling way. In fact there are so many established journalists and the ones in making who have pursued literature first and journalism later to have the best of both worlds. The parallel between the two is to get hands on a few books that either tell an enchanting tale of the world at once or prepare the writer within you for storytelling!

Here are a few books that every student pursuing journalism and mass communication courses should read at least once:-

1.The Art and Craft of Feature Writing – Written by William Blundell, the novelist charts how to write long, in-depth stories that keep the readers engaged. Blundell shows how they overcame the challenge of writing engaging content at Wall Street Journal.

2.Bel Ami – Beautifully written by Guy De Maupassant, the narrative talks of a former military man who somehow becomes a journalist through manipulation and other means that are unprofessional. His career graph attains new heights only because of acts such as preying on successful women.

3.In Cold Blood – This novel by Truman Capote is said to be the masterpiece in narrative journalism. The novelist expresses an account of a small town quadruple murder with masterful strokes and details that sends chills down the spine.

4.On Writing Well – William Zinsser through this book expresses the basic fundamentals of writing and how to connect with readers. He tells the value of concise and conversational sentences made of precise word. He talks about keeping the sentences simpler yet precise to connect with readers.

5.Berlin Diary – This book is the first hand account of rise of Nazi as witnessed by journalist William Shirer. Rewritten from Shirer’s CBS radio and diary, the novel conveys dilemma and reality of beginning of World War II and talks of the daunting courage of a reporter at work.

Here are the few exclusive picks that students studying in mass communication colleges in India should get their hands on and derive life lessons. 

Want to make a career in journalism?

Journalism has emerged as one of the fastest growing career fields. We all have heard of the very famous phrase, ‘’ pen is all time powerful than a sword’’. Well, it holds very true and is the basics of journalism profession. Today we get know about all happenings from across the world, be it about politics, sports, science, educational or natural events. How do we get all this information? Well, it is through journalists who investigate, analyse and report news from around the world through various mass communication channels (television, radio, newspaper and social media).  

For all those who have an interest in working in this field job and career growth opportunities are many. Aspiring journalists should take the first step towards their career by taking some formal education.  There are a number of prestigious colleges that offer AAFT journalism courses in India. These courses are available at graduation as well as post-graduation level. A three year degree program at the bachelor’s level is the best and often the most preferred career path for all those students who wish to make a career in journalism. Besides this, students can also go for a diploma course in journalism, which is offered by many college and universities. After doing graduation, students can also opt for higher studies and go for a master’s degree program to broaden their knowledge about this field.

To increase chances of having a great career in journalism and mass communication, there are certain set of skills that one must have. Good command over language, excellent communication skills, alertness and perseverance are some of the key skills that aspiring journalists must have. With the right attitude, skills and a degree of journalism in hand, you can reach great heights in this field.