Are you looking for a career in Journalism and have no clue of what you should be doing? Or perhaps, you want to work in an advertising agency but you know no one who can guide you?

You have come to the right place.

We will clear all your doubts about what Mass Communication graduates can do and how you can enhance your skills and achieve success in your chosen careers.

But first, we need to understand that Journalism and Mass Communication is a vast field and leads to different job roles and sectors. Some of the most common ones are:

• Public Relations: PR professionals use their communication skills to build relationships with the media and public. They are needed in all kinds of organizations – big or small, corporate or government, national or international. They are the ones that help an organization or firm do branding or reputation management. Top PR skills include media relations, crisis management and storytelling.
• Advertising: Advertising professionals use their skills to create persuasive and creative messages to sell products or services. They leverage the power of media channels, including television, radio and print, to build brand awareness and generate leads for sales. You’ll need skills like copywriting, marketing and research to succeed in this field.
• Anchoring: Anchors are the face and voice of a television show. They need to have a smooth delivery and good public speaking skills. It’s also important for them to possess knowledge about current affairs and entertainment news. News anchors have to be quick and analytical while presenting the news.
• Reporting: Reporters report news stories to the public. They cover a wide range of topics, from politics to sports. As a reporter, you need to have an inquisitive mind and strong writing skills. You should also be willing to any place at any time on any day. You should be able to think on your feet and have a nose for the news. You also need to have contacts in the industry who can provide you with information and tips.

• Content Writing: Content writers create content for blogs, websites, magazines and other digital and print media. Their job includes researching topics, crafting compelling stories and creating original copies in an interesting way. Successful content writers must have strong writing skills as well as knowledge about SEO, web design and social media trends.
• Photography: Photographers take pictures and create visual stories. They have to be creative, imaginative and technically proficient. Photography is more than just taking a good shot – it’s about using light, angles and composition to express an idea or tell a story. A good photographer needs to understand basic camera operations as well as photo editing software such as Photoshop or Lightroom.
• Editing: Editors are responsible for reviewing, improving and finalizing content before it is published. They need to have a sharp eye for details and be able to spot errors in grammar and punctuation. Editing also involves analyzing the structure of the text, evaluating its flow and making sure that it meets the required standards for publication.
• Public Health Practice: Public health practitioners focus on the health and well-being of communities. Their job involves formulating public policies, conducting research to gather evidence and supporting people with medical services. You need to have strong communication skills and an understanding of how public health affects a population as a whole.
• Sports Journalism (if you love sports!): Sports journalists specialize in covering sports events, writing about athletes and teams, analyzing trends and coaching strategies. They report for television, radio or print media. To be successful in this field you need to have extensive knowledge about the sport (or sports) you are reporting on and a strong understanding of the rules, regulations and players involved.
• Acting: If you have a penchant for acting, then this might be the perfect career path for you. Actors use their bodies and voices to deliver powerful performances on stage or in films. To become an actor, you need to do plenty of practice and training – like acting classes, singing lessons or even dance classes. You also need to hone your skills in reading scripts, studying characters and creating believable performances.
• Direction: Directors are the creative minds behind a film or play. They are responsible for every aspect of production, from casting and rehearsing to editing and post-production. To become a director you need to have an eye for detail, strong organizational skills and an ability to think outside the box. You also need to be confident in leading a team on set and directing actors to deliver the best performance.

and many such fields.

We cannot deny the fact that, at present, the competition is quite high in all fields – and hence, getting a placement is not easy.

Hence, some of the best faculty at SMS Varanasi offer you the following career planning tips to help you succeed as Mass Communication graduates:

1. Start building your network early on: Make sure to build relationships and a strong network amongst industry professionals even before you start actively looking for work. You can start doing this as a student. This will help get your name out there and open up more opportunities for you in the future.

For example, if you are a budding journalist, you should build a network of reporters, editors, and producers at different newspapers and news channels. They should attend events and workshops related to the field of journalism, freelance and get published in publications wherever possible, and do internships to gain more experience.

2. Stay updated on current trends and technologies: With technology changing rapidly, it is important to stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in your field. As a mass communication graduate, you should be aware of the types of media production tools used by professionals in the industry, like Adobe Creative Suite, Final Cut Pro X etc.

You should also attend seminars and conferences related to your field and keep up with the news to understand what is happening and how this might affect your career path.

A Mass Communication graduate interested in entering the advertising world, for example, should know the latest trends in advertising and marketing that are popular in the industry. They should also learn different tricks and techniques used by top-notch advertising professionals.

3. Be creative: Being creative is an important part of any communication career. You need to come up with unique ideas that can set you apart from the rest. Brainstorm new content ideas and think outside the box to stay ahead of the game.

Try to collaborate with people from different backgrounds and be open to learning new things. This will help you gain valuable experience that can be useful in the future.

4. Learn about communication platforms: Communication is changing rapidly and it is important for mass communication graduates to stay on top of these changes. Learn about the different communication platforms used by professionals in your field, like email, web pages and social media. Understand how to use these platforms effectively for communicating with people in the industry.

Also, note how the communication changes from one medium to another. For example, shooting for a TV show is quite different from shooting for a show that will go on air on an OTT platform. Understanding the tone, voice, and mode of different communication channels is important for a mass communication graduate.

5. Develop a digital portfolio: Showcase your work through a digital portfolio website or blog. This will help you stand out from other candidates when applying for jobs. Add any publications that you have written, photographs that you have taken and projects that you have worked on.

This portfolio will help potential employers get a better understanding of your skills and experience, making it easier for them to assess whether you are the right fit for the job.

6. Start with doing something of your own: To get a job or even an internship, you need some experience. And where can you get experience as a fresher? By doing something of your own!

One of the best career planning tips for Mass Coom students these days is to start their own blogs or vlogs to showcase their talents. This will not only help you gain some experience but also help build your reputation as a mass communication graduate.

7. Find an internship: Internships are an important part of any career planning process and should be taken seriously by Mass Communication graduates. They provide valuable hands-on experience, which can be leveraged when applying for jobs.

Look for internships that offer a real-world experience rather than just completing mundane tasks. This will help you develop skills and gain important knowledge about the industry.

8. Use Facebook and LinkedIn to your advantage: The best way to get noticed in the field of Mass Communication is through networking. Use social media platforms such as Facebook and LinkedIn to reach out to potential employers or people in the industry who can guide you on your career path.

You can also join groups related to your chosen career or follow people with similar interests. This will give you a better idea about the current trends in your field and help you stay up-to-date.

You can also check out how the top-notch professionals in the area are posting. This will help you come up with creative ideas and strategies to increase your visibility.

9. Develop a good writing style: Mass Communication graduates should strive to write well. Invest time in developing a good writing style that can help them stand out from the rest. Learn how to communicate effectively through words and use the right mix of language when drafting your content.

Read books related to the subject, watch videos and attend workshops to sharpen your writing skills. This will help you build an impressive portfolio that can make a good impression on potential employers.

10. Learn people skills: Communication is all about dealing with people. To succeed in this field, it is important to develop strong people skills. Learn how to interact professionally with colleagues and clients alike and make sure that you always act in a courteous manner.

These are some of the best career planning tips for Mass Communication graduates. With the right knowledge, attitude and skills, you can make your mark in the industry and achieve success. Good luck!