Journalism is collecting, preparing, and distributing news and its related materials through print and electronic media such as newspapers, magazines, books, blogs, webcasts, podcasts, social networking, social media sites, and e-mail. This can also be distributed through radio, motion pictures, and television. The word journalism originally referred to reporting current events in printed format, especially through newspapers. But as time passed, and the invention of other communication mediums such as radio, television, and the Internet in the more recent 20th century, the term expanded to include all printed and electronic communication reporting on current affairs.

Journalism major teaches students the skills required to master the art of reporting and writing, learning about libel and other related legal issues that affect the media industry. Journalism majors focus based on the report, which includes writing and editing articles for publication or broadcast, analyzing and utilizing data and information gathered to form news reports and effective communication skills required to properly connect with a targeted audience and feed them the right type of information they need to cause a reaction in return.

Why Study Journalism?

A lot of people refer to journalism as a dying field that is rapidly being wiped off, but let’s face it, that can’t be further from the truth. While the more classical print journalism might not be the same as it was several decades ago, it is still relevant to a reasonable extent. Additionally, journalism has taken a more digital approach, following the evolution of the new age through several modernized means of advertising, which has become increasingly prevalent, with many opportunities out there for people with a journalism degree to explore new forms of passing information.

Today, we have so many people with journalism degrees working on the opposite side of the industry, like in public relations roles, where they pitch ideas and stories to reporters on behalf of clients. This proves the diversity of the degree and its relevance in today’s society.

Benefits of Studying Journalism 

The more traditional journalism program gave students a choice between print or broadcast fields. Still, today, the program has adapted to the changing world of news and consolidated the skills acquired during study into a single track that teaches writing and reporting for all mediums. Even with this, students can still specialize in broadcast, data, investigative or political journalism. This is due to the various qualified journalism imbibes in students, such as;

Improves Creativity

One of the major benefits of journalism is the ability to express yourself creatively. Journalism allows you to express your creativity through storytelling, report writing, and even advertising, which should be a major part of your career and work. Journalism also teaches students how to use their creativity to develop new stories and ideas and how to design new angles for a particular topic. Many journalism graduates are talented writers who use their careers to grow and express their writing and communication skills, as they are allowed to share their unique ideas and raise awareness about important topics.

Interactive Work Environment

Journalism provides an expressive work environment, which allows you to work in an exciting, fast-paced and interactive workspace alongside other industry professionals with a common goal and vision. Many journalism majors share similar passions for telling stories and presenting new ideas through their work, and working as a journalist helps you express this passion while staying updated on current events and access to important sources such as public or political figures and celebrities.

Career Opportunities in Journalism

The flexibility, diversity and creativity of this major open doors to many career fields in the entertainment industry, the world of business and finance, politics, government positions and even personal practices. Some of the potential career options in journalism include;

•  Reporter
• Proofreader
• Journalist
• Blogger
• Social Media Manager
• Photojournalist 
• Communications Manager
• Publicist
• Marketing Manager
• Copywriter
• Advertising Agent
• Photographer 
• Editor
• Columnist
• Financial Analysts 
• Lawyer

If you’re the type that can’t get enough of the latest headlines or love the thrill of a good chase, following leads and uncovering the truth, then you may want to consider majoring in journalism. With this degree, you can cure your natural curiosity and desire to communicate the truth or tell a true life story while carrying out research that takes you on the best adventures. Plus, it is an industry with handsome pay if you can utilize your skills to reach your potential.