You are about to complete your schooling and are considered an ace wordsmith, are passionate about news, fascinated by brands and their advertisements, and eager to build a career around these interests. But then, you are struck. Why? Because you don’t know whether to choose Journalism or Mass Communication. Does it sound like you? If yes, then don’t worry, for there are scores of other students who have also faced the same dilemma-assuming that both are the same. No, they aren’t. Understanding the difference is the first step towards making the right choice.
Understanding the difference
Journalism is all about gathering news. It’s about bringing to light issues that the public is facing. The keyword here is ‘public’. It’s about informing the public and serving the public interest. Whereas Mass communication is about creating and disseminating messages for a large audience. This could be for promoting a brand, influencing perception, or just for entertainment. Understanding this fundamental difference between the two will help you make an informed decision.
Career opportunities
The career options in both these fields are booming. As we have seen in earlier blogs, there are several options available in journalism. There are, for example, the reporters and correspondents, who are busy bees gathering news from the field. Then some editors put together all the news, giving it a final shape and direction. News anchors are also in demand. So too are multimedia journalists, in today’s digital-first newsrooms.
Similarly, Mass Communication also opens doors to a variety of roles. For example, in today’s globalized business environment, corporate communication managers play a key role by shaping internal and external messaging. Similarly, there is a high demand for public relations professionals in organizations these days, managing reputation and media relations. Content creators and copywriters in advertising are other examples of much sought-after roles. With the burgeoning print, electronic, and online media, opportunities abound for those studying mass communication.
How do you make a choice?
While it could seem confusing, it is actually very easy to decide between the two fields if you were to do a little bit of introspection. For example, what is it that motivates you? Is it news, current affairs, uncovering the truth, or highlighting key issues that matter to society? If this resonates with your passion, then Journalism is your cup of tea. On the other hand, if you are drawn to storytelling, branding, or advertising, then choose Mass Communication.
Immense growth opportunities
Make a decision based on what you feel your aptitude is. Remember, both these fields offer immense professional growth and learning opportunities. Both these fields are poised to grow in a big way globally. So, there is no dearth of opportunities, whatever may be your final choice. Continue to be passionate about your chosen line, keep fine-tuning your skills, and be ready to put in the hard work, and the sky is the limit for you.
At the school, we guide students in exploring emerging opportunities in Journalism and Mass Communication. This is done through activities such as guest lectures and career counseling sessions, which help them make an informed choice. To learn more about what makes us a top choice CBSE school in Coimbatore, call us today!
