There is only one undergraduate programme in India that prepares students for 12 careers. And that is BA in Journalism and Mass Communication.
This three-year degree programme is unique. Students who graduate with a BA (JMC) degree can choose from 12 distinct career paths, each of which is hugely satisfying, both professionally and personally.
The reason for this is that media rewards passion, creativity and originality. Most important, merit, not seniority, drives it. So, a student who has finished Plus II, and is wondering what to do next, should consider BA (JMC). At the end of the programme, he will become eligible to apply for any one of the following 12 careers:
1. Print Journalism: India is one of the few countries in the world where the sun is still shining on print. Newspaper sales are soaring, and so are the revenues. The continued march of the economy and increasing literacy makes print a great career choice. A student, who has done BA (JMC), can join as a reporter or sub-editor and aspire to become an Editor.
2. Television Journalism: Reporters and anchors are the faces of television journalism. But there is a small army of dedicated professionals who work behind the scenes, and contribute equally, if not more. The BA (JMC) graduate can become either of the two – the face in front of the camera or the talent behind it. Both are equally rewarding.
3. Web Journalism: This is the youngest entrant to the world of journalism. But the fastest growing. Everyone today needs BA (JMC) students to become content editors. These include media houses, web portals, IT companies, e-commerce firms, corporates, government organisations, NGOs … the list is endless.
4. Social Media: If there is one media where the demand for trained professionals outstrips supply, it is Social Media. Every organisation, not to mention individuals, need Social Media professionals to build their images, lure customers or spur sales. The best thing about Social Media is that it is still a level playing field. A BA (JMC) student with a flair for Social Media can scale meteoric heights.
5. Mobile Media: Another emerging media, which is shaping up as an exciting career choice, is mobile media. The mobile screen may be small but it is the new destination for both marketers and content companies to grab eyeballs. It is an opportunity waiting to be utilised for the right BA (JMC) graduate.
6. Advertising: Advertising has traditionally attracted students who want to do something different. It continues to do so even today. A BA (JMC) course helps them channel their thoughts and energies. They get to learn the philosophy of advertising, and revel in its spirit.
7. Public Relations: Post-liberalisation, public relations has emerged as a career in its own right. There has been a surge in the number of PR firms, and there is a great demand for PR professionals. All these firms seek candidates who can create content for brochures, blogs and websites, and project companies and individuals in a positive light. It’ is not a surprise that they seek candidates who have a BA (JMC) degree.
8. Event Management: Another career where a BA (JMC) student is in great demand is event management. The media graduate brings in communication skills that are critical for promoting an event.
9. Digital Photography: The newspapers are not the only ones who hire photographers. Fashion and advertising industries are important recruiters. They pay fancy sums to skilled photographers. A BA (JMC) course lays the foundation for the students who want to excel in photography.
10. Radio: All India Radio has ruled airwaves since independence. However, the arrival of FM Radio has changed the radio dynamics. The FM Radio needs plenty of programming, editing and time selling staff, not to mention RJs. This is where a BA (JMC) course is very helpful. It goes a long way in making students broadcast-ready.
11. Film Studies: A majority of students who join the BA (JMC) course come with stars in their eyes. They want to get into films. The BA (JMC) course enables such students to learn the nuances of film-making.
12. Academics: Every BA (JMC) class has students who are interested in theory, research and teaching. Such students go on to do a Masters and a PhD and join a University.
No other undergraduate programme makes a student so career-ready. It is time that the students understood this, and started looking at BA (JMC) as not an ordinary BA programme but as a professional degree that opens doors to 12 exciting careers.
Read earlier report: A degree that open doors to ten awesome careers
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