Come In Hot Off The Press With a Bachelor of Science in Journalism
The emergence of internet has definitely revolutionized the world of journalism. Before, there are only three mediums known in delivering news and current events – the print, broadcast radio and television. This is why they labeled it the tri-media. However, another medium was discovered and it was proven to be the most powerful of all because of its reach, expediency, accessibility, promptness and affordability. The Internet made news cheaper, faster and more accessible to people around the world. With the matching of modern telecommunications technology, we can get the latest news in just a click of a finger anywhere and anytime, as long as we have mobile phones, ipads, tablets and more.
So, for those who want to be in the forefront of what is happening around the globe and those who want to be assured that they will have jobs for a longer period of time, the Bachelor of Science in Journalism is the best degree for you. As long as we use computer-based technology and as long as we look for answers for every event that unfolds around us, the writers, bloggers, reporters, pod-casters and all types of journalists will be there to convey the news.
How to become a Journalist?
As a profession, one can become a journalist by studying within a Bachelor of Science in Journalism program or a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism course, depending which is being offered at a particular university or college.
A Bachelor of Science in Journalism degree takes into consideration the study of mass communications and the use of all available medium including print, broadcast radio, television and internet. Journalism deals on delivering the message and information, usually current events, to a large number of people using the quad-media. It is considered as one of the most-dangerous jobs today due to the number of journalists’ deaths in line of their work every year. However, it is also considered as one of the most-fulfilling and most-noble professions because of its value for public service and humanitarian advocacy.
Some graduates of Journalism usually pursue other careers like international relations, law and jurisprudence and education. They are the ones who usually take master’s degree or its equivalent. A degree in journalism is four-years while an additional two-year course is needed to complete the master’s degree.
Projections for journalists and reporters
The US Bureau of Labor and Statistics is eyeing a six percent decline on employment among news reporters, analysts and correspondents in the year 2008 up to 2018. This is more likely expected because of the decreasing popularity of traditional media and their struggle against the dominance of internet. More and more media outfits are experiencing decrease in profits, forcing them either to merge with other companies or to close business.
But this reality should not be a concern to resourceful journalists who can take additional jobs on-line or through the internet. There is also an opportunity in public relations and government information offices. Here are few of the job opportunities for journalism graduates.
Reporter
- Traditional reporters in print, radio and television. Print covers newspapers, magazines, and any other serials or journals. There are however other jobs for on-line publications and websites. Reporters can work as free-lance writers or bloggers, whichever works for them. Or one can also be a copyreader, news editor for print and editor of a publication.
Broadcast anchor/Newsroom writer or editor
- News anchors, newsroom writers and editors are needed in broadcast media – both radio and television. AS for the television shows, graduates of journalism can also work in TV productions, as well as in cinema and film productions. But mostly writers are more in-demand than anchors due to the limited spots for the latter. Today, the internet also offer jobs for pod-casters and video bloggers.
Public Relations, Information Officers
- Public Relations is on the other side of Journalism for its purpose is to protect and promote a good image of a person, client, product, office or an organization. It also covers crisis management and strategic planning to maintain good relations with the public in times of crises. But a Journalism graduate has the needed ability and knowledge to become a public relations officer.
Communications and Public Affairs Manager/Officer
- Journalism graduates can also work in the corporate world or in government as communications manager or officer.
The average salary grade for journalists is US$46,000 per year but for those working as managers or anchors in big media corporations, the salary can go up as high as US$100,000 per year. Meanwhile, the lucky few make it as anchors and eventually become talents, making their salaries double with additional income from endorsements and advertisements.
