Mass Media: Interns Share Their Experience
A graduate degree in Mass Media or BMM introduces students to careers such as journalism, advertising, print media, internet marketing and social media marketing. BMM students have a mandatory internship period in their third year of college and have to choose between journalism or advertising. Colleges have a list of internships available.
Due to globalisation, students have better chances at making a profitable career in mass media. Whether it is journalism or advertising, mass media is an essential part of developing the reach across people.
The leading media houses and brands are always looking for creative and talented graduates. Internships help you tap into that network and equip you with the necessary skills to get going in this field. Read this article further to understand an intern's experience with a mass media company.
Anuradha, PG in Journalism (Mithibai College, Mumbai)
Students pursuing mass media are often advised to do one or a maximum of two internships during their graduation. I opted to do three internships. When I joined the BMM course with Guru Nanak College of Arts, Science and Commerce, I felt I needed more clarity if I wanted to opt for journalism or advertising.
I opted to do my first internship with HW News Network based out of Mumbai, during the first wave of Covid-19 in India. There was panic all around with this new virus that was on a killing spree. As an intern, it was my job to cut through the clutter and find the news that matters.
I was given the task to watch out for fake news and report it. During the height of COVID-19 first wave, we had lots of fake news and posts making rounds on social media, WhatsApp, and sometimes even news channels fell for them.
My team helped me to methodically understand and learn the process of finding fake news. During my internship period, I also wrote articles and story briefs. My first internship was for three months and I received a stipend as well.
My internship helped solve my confusion between journalism and advertising. I realised my interest lies in empowering people with the right information. Society values the opinions of journalists over others because of credibility. I felt I wanted this role and knew I could handle that responsibility.
In my second year, I interned with News Standard India (NSI). It was for three months with a stipend. I learnt the skill of writing news reports in this internship. Initially, my seniors helped me to get acquainted with writing skills.
I went on to do my third internship with Janhit 24 News in my third year. This internship introduced me to anchoring and field reporting. At first, it felt challenging. But as I moved ahead I realised, I enjoyed it. I did this internship for four months and there was no stipend for this one.
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All three of my internships were after college hours so it was easy for me to manage both. I could request my seniors for leave in case I had important things to do at college. It was a bit challenging to get out and gather the news. The only way to get used to it is by doing it often.
Priyanka Gohil, PGDM in Journalism (Harkisan Mehta College of Media Analysis and Research)
I started my internship with an advertising agency in the third year of BMM from Malini Kishor Sanghvi College, Mumbai. This experience was an eye-opener when it came to deciding my career choices. I interned with the Human Resources section of the advertising firm.
When I joined my company, the goal was to increase its brand footprint. They hired student volunteers who could promote their services. As an intern, it was my job to locate student communities in Mumbai and reach out to them.
I managed to rope in students from Rotary Club, Lions Club, YMCA and other college festivals who were interested in volunteering and getting exposure. As a student, I knew how to get the job done.
One of the most important take backs for me from this internship was that I realised the importance of fluency in communications. I would like to emphasise that advertising requires one to be thorough with their communication skills whether it is writing or speaking.
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While doing the internship I understood that my interest lies in journalism, not advertising. Internship played an important role in helping me decide what I wanted to do. My internship lasted for three months and there was no stipend.
The internship experience of BMM students sheds the right light on what it takes to intern with mass media firms. Internships are pretty important when it comes to deciding what field to go for as a career choice. Apart from theoretical knowledge, practical application and exposure help in deciding the right thing.
As a student of mass media, try an internship to assess and hone your skills in the field of your choice.
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