Journalists use their writing, photography, & video skills to cover important events. They work in media houses and numerous organizations at various levels, i.e., from local newspapers to national network television channels. Journalism careers also include marketing, communications, public information, job roles, etc. Basically, there are a lot of career alternatives in journalism to explore!
If you have a journalism degree, you are bound to have excellent writing skills, interviewing abilities, & research competencies. In addition, journalists have a vast profile, which is how they quickly cover global news.
This article focuses on the different career alternatives after journalism. Along with this, we will also delve deep into the subject. So, without further ado, let us begin!
What Is Journalism?
Journalism is the activity of collecting, verifying, & presenting news stories. Journalists typically work for news organizations, like newspapers, radio stations, magazines, television networks, etc.
In addition, journalism has ethical implications because they are considered to offer data in a fair & unbiased manner. However, this can be a bit challenging as journalists might have to present data that is controversial/ unpopular.
Interestingly, this field is an integral part of democracy. It enables the citizens to know what is happening in the country & across the world. In addition, it is also a vital source of information for businesses & other organizations/ firms.
Why Pursue A Career In Journalism?
Curiosity is the foundation for successful journalists. Moreover, curiosity helps journalists to recognize interesting reporting projects & ask questions that inform viewers & readers.
Thus, an individual having a journalism degree instigates natural curiosity among students with proper research, interview, & writing skills.
To have a career in journalism, one must be able to talk to diverse individuals to gather data & multiple perspectives. Professionals in this field then share that data, adhering to an ethical code of conduct, thus maintaining the public’s trust. Moreover, media houses provide breaking news & adhere to strict publishing timelines. Therefore, journalists are able to work well on deadlines as well!
Earlier, the students in journalism specialized in broadcast and writing; however, today’s journalism degrees & programs incorporate both these skills to enhance traditional as well as emerging media channels. Thus, journalism careers require comfort with new technologies, data analysis abilities, grammar/ writing skills, critical thinking, problem-solving, and much more.
Types Of Journalism
Journalism is the activity of collecting, analyzing, verifying, & presenting news & information. However, this field can be divided into four categories, namely:
- News
It’s the type of journalism that covers events that are taking place at the present moment.
- Reviews
These are articles that evaluate & critique a product, service, and performance.
- Features
These are stories regarding people, events, & places. In addition, they aren’t time-sensitive.
- Opinions
These are other article pieces that express the author’s point of view on a specific issue/ problem.
Each type of journalism has its own set of standards & practices. As a result, there’s a lot of diversity in this field!
Top Career Alternatives After Journalism
There are innumerable skills that you gain once you get a journalism degree. In addition, the degree helps you succeed in whatever career option you take. Have a look at the list of career alternatives after journalism.
- Content Writing
Content writing is one of the highly preferred career alternatives after journalism.
If you think your inclination is towards writing or telling stories, then this career is apt for you. Lately, this career has seen a surge & has opened innumerable opportunities in almost every organization. Content writers are required in startups, PR companies, marketing firms, etc.
Through effective content writing, a business can achieve traction & make the consumers aware of the products & services they are offering as a company.
However, by opting for this career, you can become a definitive writer for lifestyle, sports, food, art, and more. Also, after obtaining a degree in journalism, you can mobilize the knowledge you gain from your studies and put them to use as a writer. Thus, optimum quality & SEO-friendly content is the need of the hour, so it can be a rewarding career to pursue!
- Film & Television Production
The global uptake of the digital era is occurring & creating unprecedented demand for digital content creators. From producers to directors, scriptwriters, cinematographers, graphic designers, etc., make film & television production a profitable & beneficial career.
So, if you are fascinated with going behind the camera, then the skills you have acquired in journalism can help you succeed. Well, in the past few years, the demand for web series & shows has skyrocketed. The OTT platforms have made way for many job opportunities for aspiring individuals to showcase their talent & make it big in the industry. Thus, if you want your life to revolve around action, then this is the apt career for you!
- Event Management
It is one of the most sorted, creative, and magnetic career alternatives after journalism. It is a breakneck field that is always on the go & is an amazing career option for those who have a knack for planning, executing, & leading important events. Although there are a lot of diploma courses for event management, to have a good foundation, one must acquire a degree in journalism.
With a journalism degree, you get to learn basic skills that will help you upgrade your career in event management. So, if you are planning to go for this career, then it could be incredibly profitable & fruitful for your personal development as well.
- Digital Marketing
We live in a digital age where everything is just a click away from us. From buying clothes to buying groceries – everything is done just in a second! Moreover, our prosaic life is entrusted to digital platforms & this is the primary reason why companies intend to sell their products or services on these platforms. This process of marketing is known as digital marketing.
In these digital times, the best way to reach the masses is via this process instead of traditional marketing. It has many specializations that one has to excel in, like SEO, Email marketing, Social Media Marketing, Pull marketing, etc. Once you have these proficiencies, you can make the company’s existence worthy in the digital world.
It won’t be wrong to say that many businesses today have gained momentum by putting up their business online. Thus, such businesses constantly look for digital marketers who can help the company yield profits via numerous digital tools.
- Social Media Management
It is one of the most commonly chosen career alternatives after journalism among students. Social media managers/ associates are usually known to be the company’s tongue. They make everything possible to amplify interest in the work that the company does by creating an attractive social media presence, thus gaining relevance among social influencers.
In addition, these professionals know the engagement criteria of the posts & work on building a positive company image. Thus, just like reporters work on strict guidelines, social media managers also do the same. A journalism degree can help you learn everything you need to succeed in this career.
Conclusion
A journalism degree not only equips you with training experience but also prepares you to be ready for peculiar yet lucrative careers. This field definitely has a booming scope of careers with a slight pinch of creativity.
However, there are innumerable newspapers, TV channels, websites, etc., vying for attention. The competition is fierce & only the best journalists survive!
So, you have got the list of top career alternatives in journalism. There are many more to explore. Do let us know which career you wish to go for!
However, if you are confused between options & are finding it difficult to arrive at a solution, consider signing up for RILCA’s student counseling sessions to get expert advice for a fulfilling career.
Also Read: Career Planning & Goal Road Mapping
