The field of Mass Communication Offers ample Career Opportunities. From news reporter to media planner, from editor to PR executives – students are spoilt with choice. Read the following post to know more about scopes in mass communications
As a field of study, Mass Communication no longer needs an introduction. It is understood to be related to newspaper, magazine, news channels, television, film and also the book publishing industry. These are the major mediums that fall under the broader canvas of mass communications. Mass communications differ from other fields like organizational communication or interpersonal communication in a way that it concentrates on a single source that helps in disseminating information to a huge group of receivers. The study normally involves how the content enables in persuading or ends up affecting the collective consciousness.
The study of mass communication comprises these major segments: Advertising, Broadcasting, Journalism, Public Relations and now Social Media or the Internet. This is because, with changing times, the modes of communications have undergone several changes. Thus, today mass communications encompasses the above-mentioned segments. With a degree in mass communications, you can carve out a good career for yourself. You can not only end up satisfying your creative abilities but at the same time end up making good amount of money.
Sometime back, say around one and a half decade, people with a degree in literature clubbed with good communications skills were considered appropriate for the domain of journalism. However, as times changed, the concept of journalism also underwent a change. The advent of the electronic means and its fast proliferation ended up creating a completely new world of media.
Today journalism covers a whole range of activities and with more specializations, a demand for skilled professionals have increased considerably. This led to the introduction of specialized courses in mass communications and journalism. Programs in mass communications today offer specializations in streams like print media, broadcast, radio and now the digital media.
Unlike medical or engineering, one does not need any special preparation regimen. Neither one has to opt for a stream like Science or Commerce. A student from any educational background can opt for a degree in mass communications. Those who are interested can pursue mass communications at the undergraduate level. However, a postgraduate degree or diploma is considered more worthwhile.
What can you do with a Degree in Mass Communications?[/b]
A degree in mass communications (whichever specialization you choose) introduces a person to the world of communications and media. A student of mass communications ends up honing his or her written and verbal communications; analytical and critical thinking abilities are also polished upon completion of the course. Once a person has mastered these skills, they are well equipped to understand and react towards social and political issues.
Candidates who have a degree in mass communications usually opt for a career in journalism. Specialization journalism teaches students everything about journalism—from ethics to every other aspect of the domain. Journalists have to play a dynamic role while carrying out their day-to-day activities. From interviewing the latest Wimbledon champion to dining with the country’s Prime Minister—glamour comes free with journalism.
On the other hand, those who choose to tread the road less taken they can always opt for a career in public relations, online marketing, event managers; editors in leading publishing houses, corporate editorial, and advertising executives and a host of other job profiles.
Mass Communications—Job Profiles[/b]
Major Job profiles comprise the following:
News Reporter:[/b] As the title suggest, as a news reporter you will have to cover the latest happenings all around you. In most cases you have to visit the location of the event; and if you are working as reporter with a news channel, most of times you are expected to report from on the spot.
Editor:[/b] As an editor you can either work for a leading magazine or a reputed publishing house. If into publishing, you will be responsible for commissioning authors and coordinating closely with them for developing manuscripts into books.
Public Relations Executive:[/b] As a PR executive you would be responsible for liaising regularly with media and the clients; relationship building, intensive social networking; monitoring with the media regularly; researching and preparing reports, new stories and evaluating media coverage.
Advertising Executives:[/b] Coordinate and manage clients regularly. Handling campaigns for clients, managing and organizing promotional events comprise the major job descriptions of an advertising executive.
Whether journalism is the right career for you, depends a lot on critical self-evaluation and of course interest. You need to have a creative bent of mind, and inherent inquisitiveness about the happenings in your surrounding and the willingness to work hard.
As far as funding is concerned, the cost depends upon the institute and the duration. Some renowned institutes offer scholarships to meritorious students. World renowned media groups such as Disney Entertainment, CNBC and BBC offer attractive job offers to potential professionals.
A career in mass communications demands immense hard work, commitment and dedication. One might have to compromise a little on his or her personal life. Nonetheless, a career in mass communication can be highly satisfying for those who love challenges.
Author Bio:[/b]
Sampurna Majumder is a professional writer who enjoys creativity and challenges. Barely a year into new media, she has written several posts, articles, various journalism courses and blogs for prominent websites like Shiksha.com where one can find all kinds of information pertaining to the world education and career. The above post throws light on career opportunities in the field of mass communications.