A Step-By-Step Guide To Begin Your Journalistic Path at Shoolini University

Shoolini University located in Himachal Pradesh is a private co-educational university. The institution was established in the year 2009, and is accredited by NBA and NAAC. Shoolini University courses include B.Tech, BBA, LLB, BA, B.Sc, M.Tech, MBA, M.Sc and more. Shoolini University admissions are done through entrance examinations like JEE/ NEET/ CLAT/ HPCET/ GMAT/ CAT. This article talks about a step-by-step procedure to start the path towards journalism.

We live in an age where every swipe, scroll, and stream shapes news. As social media reels replace age-old dailies, primetime TV is taken over by shouting voices; many fear for journalism. Pioneers, who were jailed for publishing anti-establishment news during the Emergency, feel saddened by the sorry state of affairs.

Yet, this dire situation of the media industry only emphasises the need for young and competent journalists, who can take this torch forward. There is an urgent need to encourage youth to take up a career in journalism and train them well to restore media credibility and strengthen the fourth pillar of democracy. But, how do you start a career in journalism?

How to start a career in journalism?

1. Build an academic foundation with a journalism course

One does not need any formal education in journalism and mass communication to pursue a career in media. However, it is a good idea to enrol in a BA/MA course in journalism and mass communication from a reputed institution like Shoolini University.

It gives you a starting point to know more about the field, its history, relevance, trends and impact. A BA Journalism and Mass Communication gives you structured exposure to writing, reporting, digital production and media theories. An MJMC degree (or the MA in Journalism and Mass Communication) gives you a chance to hone those skills and build a specialisation.

2. Identify the right university for Journalism in India

Media professionals have long complained that there is a massive gap between what journalism schools teach and what a real newsroom needs. The School of Media and Communications at Shoolini University aims to bridge this gap with real-time projects and mentorship of experienced professionals.

Shoolini offers its students a chance to learn from the best. Director of the School of Media and Communications, Prof Vipin Pubby, is a veteran journalist with nearly 45 years of experience in both print and electronic media.

The varsity’s journalism and mass communication faculty includes a communications expert in public relations and corporate communications; a former RJ from a leading radio station and a professional with over 15 years of experience in top TV channels.

3. Start writing/producing media early and often

Journalism is a profession, where the recruiters will be keen to see your work and not your degrees. Start with your college newspaper, a blog, a YouTube channel or a social media bulletin. Most students get cold feet worrying about the initial quality of their work. But, at least initially, it is the effort that counts and your work also improves with every draft.

Shoolini students produce regular newsletters in Hindi and English, replicating the standard broadsheet complete with eight-column displays, editing, designing and production in newsprint. Campus radio, Shoolini TV Bulletin in English, Shoolini Samwad in Hindi and Weekly YouTube bulletins give them exposure to electronic and digital media.

4. Pursue internships

As a student, internships are probably the best way to learn. As a journalism and mass communication student, one can intern with newspapers, radio stations, TV channels and digital platforms. These internships offer a great learning opportunity and can often lead to your first job offers.

Shoolini University students have successfully secured internships and jobs with various media outlets -- The Indian Express, Hindustan Times, Times of India, Dainik Bhaskar, Punjab Kesri, Amar Ujala, Navodya Times, ABP News, India TV, Aaj Tak, CNN News18, News TV and PTC.

5. Exploring job roles and finding your niche

Media industry today goes far beyond reporting. Shoolini University’s emphasis on practical learning and industry exposure helps students in exploring their interests, discovering their passion and realising their true potential.

One can take the role of a reporter, sub-editor, designer, TV anchor, presenter, etc. while starting a career in journalism. However, you may want to explore emerging job roles such as a digital content producer, social media manager, copywriter, PR executive, and a communications associate for the NGOs or the CSR departments as well before settling in on one.

How Shoolini helps you in preparing for a journalism career?

Shoolini University offers a comprehensive journalism and mass communication programme that blends academic rigour with hands-on newsroom training.

The School of Media and Communications is equipped with a dedicated audio-visual studio and a modern editing lab, where students get to learn multiple skills from scriptwriting and camera handling to audio editing and studio production.

Through its in-house media platforms, students gain real reporting experience from the very first day. The process also helps them in inculcating the discipline of meeting deadlines. Internships with media organisations like ANI, NDTV and Dainik Bhaskar provide students real-world exposure and a chance to learn relevant skills.

Located in the beautiful Himalayan foothills, Shoolini University has been ranked among the top private universities in India by the THE and the QS World Rankings.

Changing media dynamics

Journalism is not dying but evolving. A journalist’s role has become more dynamic, demanding sharper ethics, faster reflexes and stronger storytelling skills. If you’ve ever wondered how to start a career in journalism, your timing could not have be better. Journalism today needs critical thinkers who can spot a story and report it with integrity, nuance and impact.

As a journalism student and professional, one should be able to conduct research, hold interviews and interpret data. Today, a scribe must also possess strong writing and language skills; news judgement and the ability to find relevant, factual, and timely stories; and ability to deliver multi-media stories and understand content creation for web, social and mobile platforms.

Is Journalism a good career in India?

If you are looking for big bucks, you may want to explore other professions. It’s a good idea to burst your bubble before you enrol in a course and commit to a profession in journalism and mass communication.

However, if you are passionate about communication, storytelling and public interest, journalism offers you a promising future. According to the FICCI-EY Report, the media and entertainment industry in India is expected to grow to Rs 2.8 trillion by 2025. Besides, it is a career where you get to do public good and have a real impact on your surroundings, people around you, and the world.

Journalism needs you

If you've ever wanted to question power, tell untold stories or influence public opinion, journalism is one of the most powerful tools to do so. If this felt overwhelming and you’re still wondering how to start a career in journalism, start by choosing a university that understands the shifting landscape of media while grounding you in core ethics and skills.

With a strong focus on ethics, digital storytelling and multimedia skills, Shoolini University equips its students with the necessary skills, confidence and capability to thrive in the media industry. At Shoolini University, you’ll find more than just a degree; you’ll find your voice.

Disclaimer: This article has been published as a part of the marketing initiative between Careers360 and Shoolini University.