Career in Mass Communication

Ranjan K Baruah *

In our last edition, we have published on career in journalism. Courses related to Journalism and mass communication are being taught together initially but later there are specialisations which differs both. In simple, mass communication is the process of exchanging information through mass media to large segments of the population.

In other words, mass communication refers to imparting and exchanging information on a large scale to a wide range of people. It is usually understood for relating to various forms of media, as these technologies are used for the dissemination of information, of which journalism and advertising are part of.

It differs from other forms of communication, such as interpersonal communication or organizational communication, because it focuses on particular resources transmitting information to numerous receivers.

The study of mass communication is chiefly concerned with how the content of mass communication persuades or otherwise affects the behaviour, the attitude, opinion, or emotion of the people receiving the information.

It is being done through many mediums, such as radio, television, social networking, billboards, newspapers, magazines, film, and the Internet.

Advertising, journalism, public relations are associated with mass communication.

There are different courses related to mass communication. Apart from academic qualification many other skills are required.

Required skills to be successful in the field of mass communication includes creativity, confidence, effective communication skills, ability to work under strict deadlines, effective networking skills, research skills, interviewing skills, observation skills, problem-solving skills, decision making , interpretation skills, critical and creative thinking, ability to work under irregular conditions, effective interviewing skills, ability to express ideas and thoughts clearly, etc .

There are under graduation and post graduation courses related to mass communication.

Few course curriculum related to mass communication are writing for media, introduction to journalism , socio-economic & political scenario, history of print & broadcasting in India, print journalism, media laws & ethics, still photography, theory of communication, application of computer in media, development & communication, media management, basics of camera, lights & sound, folk media, television journalism & production, introduction to advertising, public relations, advertising practices, event management, media research, communication research, global media scenario, electronic media, new media technology, corporate communication, film studies, media and society, etc .

Successful students shall get placement in different media houses. There are scopes to join government department like Prasar Bharati which includes Doordarshan or All India Radio. There are media experts in different departments and missions like National Health Mission.

Different corporate hires for their corporate communication team. There are many media houses or organisation in India which hires post graduates or graduates who studies Mass Communication as subject. There are diplomas or advanced diploma courses related to mass communication.

Few institutes also offer the course through distance mode but it is always preferable to study in regular class room mode instead of distance mode. Distance mode is good and helpful for working professionals related to mass communication. Indian Institute of Mass Communication is a leading premier institution in the country having its campuses in different parts.

Over the past decade, IIMC has expanded its academic activities and started a number of specialised courses to meet the manpower requirements of the rapidly expanding media and communication industry. IIMC also makes a concerted effort to constantly innovate its programmes in order to meet the challenges thrown up by developments in the industry.

The syllabi are reviewed every year to make changes and suitable modifications to make them relevant to the needs of the industry. As there has been advancement in the field of technology so there has been changes in the field of mass communication. One must be technologically equipped and possess employability skills to be engaged in other organisation or managing own organisation as start up or new venture.

Updates: Begum Hazrat Mahal National Scholarship Scheme for Minorities Girls: Maulana Azad Education Foundation invites applications from girls belonging to minority communities for Begum Hazrat Mahal National Scholarship Scheme for Minorities Girls 2019-20. The scholarship aims to provide tuition fee assistance along with other benefits to the meritorious girl students of the minority community who are unable to support their education due to financial issues.

The scholarship is provided by the Maulana Azad Education Foundation (MAEF), Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India. Aspirants may apply before 30th September.