Pros and Cons of a Career in Journalism

Journalism is definitely one of the most popular careers out there in the media sphere. Whether you aim to be a news correspondent, a travel journalist, TV correspondent, sports writer or more the world of journalism is a vast and dynamic one. It is no wonder then that every year hordes of students opt for mass communication courses in Mumbai and other metros. 

Whether it is for print, television or online media, journalism requires a certain kind of person. You have to be up to date on what is happening around you, be quick on your feet and even quicker in your mind. It is not a stream or career choice for the lazy or dispassionate! Whether you plan to take on a course in journalism or want to jump right in with an internship, know fully well of what you are getting you into. 

Like most careers in media, portrayals in movies and sitcoms are always glamorous and stylish. Yes, it can be fun, sometimes glamorous (depending on where you work and what you do), but also gritty, tough and difficult. But usually exciting!

Pros - 

Meet different kinds of people – Unlike a regular 9 to 5 job where you meet the same office goers day after day, careers in journalism open you up to so many different kinds of people. Whether it is people you are covering for a news report, interviews, working with different people within the industry and more, you usually have the opportunity to meet and experience so much and in so much diversity. 

It is rarely monotonous – Challenging and often extremely varied, journalism offers a career stream that is rarely monotonous. Yes, you may have to pay your dues during the starting days when you may not be doing exactly the kind of range of work that you want, but it is far more interesting to people who can't stand the thought of doing the same desk job day in and day out. You may also get to travel and explore new places depending on your job.

Cons -

Too fast paced for some to handle – If you are the kind of person that takes comfort in routine and wants a steady job with regular hours, this career stream is definitely not made for you. It can sometimes be a job that has you on your feet and alert 24/7 and definitely does not come with regular or even healthy working and sleeping hours.

Extremely competitive – Like it was mentioned earlier there are loads of people studying at mass communication courses in Mumbai and other cities that are strong media centres. Therefore, competition is fierce and the choicest jobs much fewer. If you are looking to opt for journalism and expect a sure shot path to fame and seeing your names in the major by lines or to rake in the big bucks immediately, you may be disappointed. 

Like any other career option, do a little research before opting for a course to supplement your dream. But when you know you will settle for nothing else, do all you can and go for it! 

4 Helpful Tips to Help you Socialise in College

School days are always fun; you are thrown together with a bunch off classmates you have for years and have fixed social activities, classes and much more that make making and maintaining friendships much easier. Students often leave the nest to pursue higher studies like mass communication courses in mumbai and other cities around the world, suddenly finding themselves in completely new environments and surrounded by a totally new set of people.

If you are social enough or an extroverted to begin with, finding new friends and making contacts becomes much easier. But for those are more shy, fitting in and making the most of the college experience becomes a slightly tougher experience causing a lot of anxiety and stress, not to mention more serious problems like depression. 

Here are a few tips to help you enjoy the college experience a little more and broaden your social experiences -

• Firstly, remember that many students like yourself are finding themselves in the same boat and feeling a little out of place, timid and even uncomfortable. Some just manage to hide it much better. Don't feel weird or afraid when approaching your fellow classmates and take the lead to start a little casual or polite conversation. Even simple questions about themselves or a discussion about a class you are about to take or have just taken can help open a floodgate of conversation and help you make new acquaintances.

• Another great way to meet new people is to find social groups in your institution. Colleges often have a plethora of student groups ranging from those based around sports and recreational activities, extra curricular groups, social work and volunteering groups, dramatics, and much more. In larger schools students also often form international communities to help them meet more people from their home countries and organise fun social and cultural events. Find out what kinds exist in your college or around it and join a couple that interest you. You might just meet like minded people and it always feels great to be part of a community and be part of many different activities.

• Make a study group – Not only does research say that studying with others help you fare better in your own work and do better in exams, it can also serve as a good way to mingle more with your classmates. Initially a common goal to do better academically and help each other will bind a bunch of students together and then can develop into a more social relationship  if you happen to hit it off.

• Accept more invites  - Invited to a dorm mates party down the hall or a party in the next hostel or having a college social do? Sometimes all it takes is the first step of accepting invites and getting over your shyness and going. You will learn to meet new people in a more close setting and since everyone is out to have a good time, the atmosphere is more relaxed and festive. Off course always remember to make sure your safety is top priority. If you don't know anyone at all and there is going to be alcohol on the premises or you have a feeling that things aren't right, trust your instincts and leave. Make sure you have a way to get home after a late night affair and don't accept drinks from strangers when you can't see where they have been poured from.

College can be a super fun experience and one that teaches you far more than just the course you have gone to study. Remember to make the most of it!