By Jessie Yarrow:
From the microphone wielding reporters to blaring radios, from the gigantic headlines to the constant tweets and videos, no one is unaware of the power of media in voicing the public opinion and delivering news to the masses. The sheer thrill of finding the truth, the challenges which follow in delivering it and the rewards and satisfaction it brings are enough reasons to attract youth towards this exceedingly challenging, highly adventurous and extremely demanding stream.
[envoke_twitter_link]Communication has always been an undeniable power, both for individuals as well as the masses[/envoke_twitter_link]. Three hours of a well-directed movie can leave even the most strong hearted with teary eyes; a five minute video song can induce motivation even among the most dejected minds which even long speeches cannot do. A simple photograph can speak volumes and spark a reaction among those who view it.
Even in the older days when the concept of democracy was not known and the people were more or less a controlled herd, mass communication was considered a weapon and was highly censored by those in power. When power was decentralized and people became their own masters, media and mass communication became even more dispensable as it became the sole medium through which people can make their voice heard.
As the time moved on and technology advanced, media and mass communication evolved into several spheres and adapted itself rapidly to the changing discourse of the world, on economic, political and social levels.
A degree in mass communication offers a lot of professional opportunities. Students who pursue courses in mass media are trained in mass communication, advertising, publishing, print and audio-visual journalism, film making and many other disciplines.
According to employment news weekly (a portal run by the government of India), more than 2, 50,000 people are currently working in the advertising and publicity stream alone. With more news channels and media organizations emerging in India, the demand for media professionals is on a rapid rise.
The streams which have branched throughout the media industry are: advertising, corporate media, electronic media, telecommunications, visual communications, entertainment etc. Students who study mass communication have a varied choice of professions in which they can excel. The industry is on a look out for not only news correspondents, reporters and news editors, but is also looking for people with technical skills such as visual artists, photographers, sound engineers etc. Those with a degree in mass communication can also work as public relations officers, media planners, publicity agents, research analysts and advertising managers.
[envoke_twitter_link]A career in media is highly demanding as it requires the combination of courage, sharpness and pace[/envoke_twitter_link]. The media field is filled with action and speed. The change is constant, the pace is fast and the competition is massive. Not to say the glamour which usually accompanies it and the pressures that cannot be shaken away.
Media and mass communication is a field which has the capability of making or breaking whole governments. It’s an arena which harbours the toughest and the strongest with a competition which is brutal and ruthless. It’s one of those few careers which have both executive as well as creative professions. In fact, a career in mass communication not only offers a chance to practice your creativity, but also exposes it to the whole world. A career in Mass Communication & Journalism promises a dazzling future if fuelled with the heat of passion.
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