The structure that we form in our minds about a degree is quite different from what it actually is in reality. Journalism may seem like a job which just involves researching and writing but it is way more than that. Especially in the current age when every sector has moved on to become digital, your prowess with a pen only cannot help you to make the cut. You need to know everything you need to possess to become a top journalist and what all you must go through to reach there. If this field is your passion, the task won’t be tedious at all.
Here’s how you should prepare and be prepared for. The best colleges for journalism will give you the required start but then it’s up to you. Keep the following in mind, get it right and you will stand out as a top journalist.
Networking is the core of your success
This is true for any field under the sun but knowing people have a great impact if you are in journalism. Start networking from the word go and build your contact list. During your college, maintain a healthy relationship with your professors and peers who can help you in the professional world. Often, your career may start with the recommendation from a professor or you may land your first interview because of one. So, stay in the good books of as many people as possible and continue to hone your networking skills.
And this does not involve going up to a person and discussing a random topic. Your networking skills must involve research, finding out what actually interests the person and how can you extract what you need without raising suspicion. Dealing with people is a crucial part of journalism and you must have this sorted out.
Your way of writing may not always be the right way
And the best university for journalism in Delhi will teach you this. As writers, it is easy to get swayed away and hold the notion that the paragraph you framed is the best. But there may be a time when your professor will tell you otherwise. In journalism, it is about what works in the industry than how beautifully a piece is written. You must adapt your style to suit the audience, sacrificing your personal satisfaction at times.
Even during your professional career, you may find that the story you churn up is facing multiple edits. Learn to take these positively and improve yourself in the process. A great journalist has an eye for the right words and you will have to reach there. Try your best to keep your mind open and invite positive criticism. Remember, you will get a lot of these in your journalism career.
Start small to rise up
Most graduates aim for the top firms immediately after passing. While this may also be your motive but it isn’t always the right way to start. You should look to begin your career in the humblest position available and make your way up to the top from there. The big companies already have an experienced team of reporters and editors and learning is somewhat limited for freshers. With smaller firms, you can take on more responsibilities and continue to learn beyond your college years.
You can start right from your time at any of the top IP university colleges for journalism. These institutes have college magazines and newspapers to give their students first-hand experience of the field. You can become a member, learn the tricks involved during the course and show your success in the CV. After passing, join internships and pursue it for a couple of years before presenting your skills to the top firms.
Learn an extra set of skills
As this will keep you ahead of the competition. Journalism has come a long way from newspapers and you must adapt yourself to the change. If your CV lists photography, a bit of CSS and WordPress or knowledge in handling social media accounts, you will be preferred among many others out there. While you are pursuing your degree, take some time out to build a few extra skills and it will definitely help you to land a top job.
The best journalism institutes like Lingaya’s Lalita Devi Institute of Management & Sciences, a premier IP University college in South Delhi will provide you with the opportunity to try out new fields.Such colleges conduct workshops and events to give their students the necessary exposure and options from where you can pick up your interest. Companies like versatile candidates and you will fit in if you can show them just that.
So, ace the field of journalism
By building yourself to meet the need. Go out of your way, do something extra and nothing can stop you from being the top journalist. The degree gives you the required boost. Work upon it and take it further.
