Journalism is a career that combines passion, curiosity, and the ability to bring a real difference in society. If you are planning to pursue a Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication (BJMC) or have just completed it, you are already on the right path to success.
However, many students face a dilemma related to starting a career in journalism after BJMC. Some questions they find asking themselves are, ‘What are the job options?’, ‘How much can I earn?’, ‘Should I pursue further studies?’, Are there Government Jobs After BJMC?’ and much more.
This article will offer you a comprehensive roadmap on every important detail such as after BJMC job opportunities, BJMC scope and salary, and strategies to build a strong career in journalism.
Why Choose Journalism After BJMC?
Before understanding the prospects of opportunities and salary, first know why journalism is considered a very rewarding career.
- Dynamic Industry: The media industry, specifically in India, is evolving rapidly due to the presence of digital platforms, which makes journalism not just about newspapers anymore. It consists of online media, social media, TV, and even independent news portals on YouTube.
- Influence and Impact: Journalists and reporters have the power not only to inform and influence, but sometimes even change the opinion of public. For an individual who values truth, transparency and accountability, this career can be very satisfying.
- Diverse Roles: BJMC graduates are not just limited to journalism and reporting, but they can choose diverse roles in content creation, digital marketing, PR, advertising, and corporate communications.
Some Leading After BJMC job opportunities
After you complete your BJMC degree from a top college in India, the real journey towards journalism begins. Some of the key roles you can consider exploring include:
- News Reporter: If you have the passion to be on the ground, covering real breaking news, and interacting with people, then you can pursue the role of a classic journalist or reporter. You will be responsible for writing, researching, and even shooting news stories for television or online media.
- News Anchor or TV Host: For BJMC graduates with strong communication skills and confidence to face the camera, a news anchor can be an exciting role. The job role requires quick thinking, decision-making and a strong command of language.
- Digital Content Creator: Due to the increasing rise of digital media, businesses and news portals constantly seek professionals with the ability to create engaging content for websites and social media platforms. You can pursue the role of digital content creator and stay relevant in this highly demanding field.
- Copy Editor: If you have proficiency in grammar and structuring, then you can pursue the role of copy editor. The role focuses on editing and refining news articles before they are published for public viewing.
- Public Relations Specialist: Many BJMC graduates often choose PR as a career, as it offers competitive and high-paying roles in business communication and media management.
- Radio Jockey (RJ): If you are a talkative individual and have the ability to entertain people, you can seek a career in radio as it still remains an exciting platform. RJs do not just act as entertainers, but also share news, updates, and opinions.
- Advertising and Marketing Roles: Corporations also hire BJMC graduates for creative roles in marketing teams because of their expertise in communication.
Top Government Jobs After BJMC To Pursue
If you are sceptical about private firms and interested in job security, then government jobs are the best option. There are various Government Jobs After BJMC that you can choose from, which are as follows:
- Public Relations Officer (PRO) in Government Departments: States and central government departments often seek PROs for managing media relations and making official communications. This is an excellent job opportunity, which you can target post-BJMC.
- Indian Information Service (IIS): This is another prestigious career in the public sector, which you should consider that involving making official communications, press releases, and managing media for different ministries.
- Doordarshan and All India Radio: The public broadcasters of India constantly hire media professionals for reporting, editing, and content creation roles. This also includes Press Trust of India, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), Press Information Bureau, and others, which offer lucrative career opportunities in journalism.
To acquire these government positions, you will need to clear highly competitive recruitment exams.
BJMC scope and salary in India
One of the most common questions most BJMC students have is related to salary and future scope. Below is essential information on the BJMC jobs salary to help you understand your earning potential.
- Entry-Level Salary: If you are recruited as a reporter or digital content writer, you can expect a starting salary of INR 2.5 LPA to INR 4 LPA. Surely it is modest, but journalism is a career where earning potential is performance-driven, and after gaining experience, your salary increases exponentially.
- Mid-Level Professionals: After you have an experience of 3 to 5 years, you can target roles such as senior reporter, anchor, or PR executive. These positions can help you anywhere from INR 6 LPA to INR 12 LPA, depending on your skills and employer.
- High-End Roles: After years of hard work and dedication, you can become an editor, news producer, or work in senior roles in corporate communications. These roles can get you salaries that can easily cross INR 15 LPA.
Apart from these, the BJMC jobs salary in digital marketing and brand communication roles are also much higher compared to traditional journalism, as businesses are investing heavily in digital platforms.
Similarly, the scope of BJMC is also expanding rapidly due to the rise of digital platforms and online journalism. In the last few years, digital journalism has grown by 20% with extremely high potential for earning and growth. Online journalists are also getting recognition from brands that are using their channels for promotion.
YouTube has become an essential platform for digital journalists to interact with personalities through podcasts, which are garnering millions of views. The same can also be said about freelancing, where reporters and journalists enjoy high flexibility and excellent payments, which exceed even senior anchors.
Tips to Kickstart Your Career After BJMC
To transform your career from a BJMC graduate to a successful media personality requires accurate planning and commitment. Here are some practical tips for a smoother transition.
- Build a Portfolio Early: To showcase your work and experience in the future, begin early by writing blogs and articles to small portals, or even consider operating a YouTube channel. This will help employers to see your work before they recruit you.
- Internships Are Non-Negotiable: Try to enrol for at least two internships during your BJMC program. This will not only help you gain real-world exposure but also understand which roles suit you the best.
- Learn a Specialization: Consider learning a specialised skill such as video editing, data journalism, or digital marketing while pursuing BJMC. Such specialized skills will make you stand out in the job market.
- Stay Updated With News Trends: The Journalism role is all about staying updated. So follow major news platforms, read international media, and understand the behavior of readers on social media platforms.
- Create a Personal Brand: You should use social platforms such as LinkedIn, Instagram, or even Medium to demonstrate your skills. Today, recruiters in the journalism field tend to check your online presence before they give you a job.
Final Thoughts
The question is not whether journalism can be a good career for you. It certainly is if you have the passion and persistence. The after BJMC job opportunities are extremely vast, not just in media but corporates as well with salaries that improve as you gain experience.
If you are willing to make a difference in society through your journalism, the BJMC program will not disappoint you. With a high salary and a diverse scope, you can build a career in the field you have always dreamed of.