Is journalism in your dna!

Is journalism in your dna



Dr K Stevenson former Head, Department of Journalism, Osmania University, Hyderabad. He has been in the academic field for nearly two decades after working as a journalist for three years.

JOURNALISTS are integral to maintain the symbiotic relationship between the media and society in the fast changing world. Journalists are hot property these days, says Dr K Stevenson, former head, Department of Journalism, Osmania University, Hyderabad.

Unlike any other field, journalism presents lot of avenues for the individual apart from the mainstream media. Right from testing waters as public relations personnel to being a content writer in the advertising arena, there are a plethora of lucrative opportunities for journalists. Stevenson says it is not just in the above mentioned fields, “One can even get into the Indian Information Services of the Central government where the job profile includes field publicity for different projects.

Skills needed

• A “nose for news” – the oft-repeated phrase is a decisive factor in making a good journalistic career
• Good writing skills are a pre-requisite
• Being techno-savvy and understanding the evolving technologies especially in production related issues
• Right mindset with a positive attitude towards events and happening are integral traits in an aspiring journalist
• A passion for meeting people from different walks of life, nurturing long term relations and the knack of sustaining good contacts are added advantages.
  
  Stevenson says that even though the field may seem glamorous to the outside world, it is really hard work. Interacting with famous personalities and top politicians does sound exciting, but a lot of effort and hard work are required to reach a distinguished level.
  
  Many journalists do not have a formal training or academic background in the subject when they enter the field. But a journalism qualification will definitely help candidates. Without one, there will be initial difficulties in understanding the job.
  
  Trials and tribulations are part of the profession and many enthusiastic youngsters lose interest after a few months on the job. One should be prepared to face situations where a good story might not be given the proper display; attempts to do justice to the work may not be fruitful. And you can forget about the 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. factor at the work place.
  
  
  (Courtesy: The New Indian Express)