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Journalism and Mass Communication Salary in India in 2024 [Average to Highest]
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Everyone is linked by a network of various modes of communication. We tend to learn about the most recent developments from across the world, even something as casual as cricket scores, via the power of the mass media and technology. If mass communication involves the distribution of current events then journalism is the gathering and broadcast of news via electronic and print media. This includes writing, editing, reporting, broadcasting, cable casting the news articles, photographing, and so on.  Journalism entails analyzing, investigating, and reporting on local and global events, trends, current affairs, and more. Journalism and mass communication is a broad industry, and it attracts a lot of talent. This article will look at the financial aspect of this industry. You’ll find out how much you can expect to earn in this field as we’ll cover the average journalism and mass communication salary in India.  Why Pursue a Career in the Sector of Mass Communication and Journalism? A college degree in the course of Journalism and Mass Communication allows you to pursue a career under/with innovative, well-informed people who motivate you to succeed. The range of the sector of mass media is expanding, therefore there is seldom a shortage of career prospects. While being employed, one gets an understanding of name, celebrity, and money, as well as the opportunity to travel. Some of the perks of entering into a profession related to mass communication and journalism are as follows: A rewarding profession Increased networking Higher social standing Travel and broadening of horizons Wide range of career opportunities Glamour Social networking Enhanced creativity Developing skills Freelancing Given the expanding popularity of mass communication channels, there is a constantly growing opportunity for applicants in the areas of public communication and journalism. Its reach across India is broad; if you excel in your profession, you may find employment at some of the nation’s greatest production houses, publishing houses, news networks, public relations agencies, or radio stations. What is the Average Journalism and Mass Communication Salary in India? The average journalism and mass communication salary in India is INR 4.02 lakh per annum. With this qualification, you can apply for many jobs such as copywriter, journalist, editor, etc. Also, keep in mind that the figure we shared is based on the average income of all the journalism and mass communication professions in India. Many factors affect journalism and mass communication salary in India. For example, your industry experience has a significant impact on how much you can make as a professional. Other factors that affect your journalism and mass communication salary are your skills, location, and the employer you work for.  So, make sure to keep these factors in mind while making a career choice.  Jobs that Offer The Best Journalism and Mass Communication Salary in India In light of technological advancements and the proliferation of broadcasting channels such as radio stations, television sets, news channels, and social media, an intended viewership has been brought together, opening up vast possibilities and alternatives for applicants who are skilled in public writing, speaking, and reporting. A degree in the course of Mass Communications and Journalism opens several doors to individuals who desire to work in communications, radio, television, journalism, advertising, and related other fields. Both streams are quite important and offer several chances in the actual world. Now that we have discussed the average journalism and mass communication salary, let’s discuss some of the roles that offer the highest salaries in this field: 1. Public Relations Specialist  The average pay of a public relations specialist in India is INR 6 lakh per annum. Their income starts from INR 1.5 lakh per annum and goes up to INR 10 lakh per annum.  What Does a Public Relations Specialist Do? A public relations specialist (PR specialist in short) is responsible for promoting and enhancing awareness about a company or brand. They ensure that the brand image remains positive in the public eye and work with multiple media to achieve this goal. Their chosen media can include web-based outlets such as YouTube or a blog and traditional media outlets such as radio, newspapers, or TV.  They manage spokespeople and designate the required spokesperson. They have to lead community marketing efforts and ensure that the strategies are correctly implemented.  PR specialists work with content creators and influencers to promote their brand. That’s why they are responsible for finding the right influencers for their brand and interacting with them. They also collaborate with local media to promote their company’s events and ensure that the local audience is aware of that brand.  2. Journalist The average salary of a journalist in India is INR 3.86 lakh per annum. It ranges from INR 1.7 lakh per annum to INR 9.91 lakh per annum, including shared profits and bonuses.  Freshers in this field with less than a year’s experience make INR 3 lakh per annum on average. Those with one to four years of experience in this field make INR 3.5 lakh per annum on average, while those with 10 to 19 years of experience get INR 4.8 lakh per annum.  What Does a Journalist Do?  A journalist researches and writes news articles and reports. These articles might belong to a newspaper, magazine, or online blog. They usually work with print, TV, and radio media channels.  They work with news editors and reporters to generate content and are responsible for reviewing and editing the copy. Journalists have to stay on the lookout for new stories and tips constantly. They may have to meet people and conduct interviews to make the stories more relevant. This means they will have to look for people related to the story, such as witnesses and the parties involved. This role requires them to have strong communication and interpersonal skills.  3. Reporter The average pay of a reporter in India is INR 3.19 lakh per annum. Their salary ranges from INR 1 lakh per annum and can go up to 10 lakh per annum.  Experience plays a vital role in this field as freshers with less than a year’s experience make around INR 3.4 lakh per annum, while those with 10 to 19 years of experience earn around INR 4 lakh per annum on average.  Some skills that offer higher pay than average in this profession are Online Research and Writing Procedures. What Does a Reporter Do?  Reporters are responsible for investigating and writing stories about different events and happenings in the world. While they usually work for news organisations, they might also work with companies that create in-house stories. Reporters might also work as freelance professionals.  Reports have to discover, research and follow up on their leads. Their daily tasks depend on the kind of media they work in. For example, a reporter in print media would spend most of their time researching and writing reports and working with editors. On the other hand, those in television media would be responsible for researching stories and filming them along with other tasks.  4. Newspaper Editor Newspaper editors earn an average compensation of INR 3.91 lakh per annum in India. Their pay ranges from INR 1.49 lakh per year to INR 9.79 lakh per year, depending on their experience and expertise.  What Does a Newspaper Editor Do?  Newspaper editors are responsible for assigning, reviewing, editing, rewriting, and laying out all copy in a newspaper apart from the advertisements. They have to work with journalists and writers to meet the newspaper’s deadlines.  They might write stories or editorials for the newspaper to give opinions on different issues. Newspaper editors are responsible for reviewing the editorial page and the columnists’ copy to ensure they are of top-notch quality.  The work environment of a newspaper editor depends heavily on the size of their establishment. Prominent newspapers employ multiple editors to manage the workload efficiently. On the other hand, a smaller newspaper might only have one or two newspaper editors to review and edit the submitted copies.  5. Media Manager  A media manager in India earns an average salary of INR 6.18 lakh per annum. Their pay ranges from INR 2.2 lakh per annum to INR 20 lakh per annum, including the shared profits and bonuses.  Like most careers we discussed, your pay in this field depends heavily on your level of experience. A media manager with one to four years of experience earns an average salary of INR 5.86 lakh per annum, whereas those with five to nine years of experience earns INR 9 lakh per annum on average.   What Does a Media Manager Do? A media manager is responsible for creating a marketing message to enhance customer recognition of a particular brand. They have to oversee interactions with the media and increase the effectiveness of publicity and press functions. They have to ensure their company’s brand is consistent and positive and gather and disseminate information to the staff and the press. Media managers have to work with the organisation’s primary departments to create and implement media activities and strategies.  They work with social media managers to develop social media strategies to enhance the brand’s online reach and engagement. They are responsible for planning the promotion schedules and making sure that the related departments meet the deadlines.  6. Social Media Manager The median salary of a social media manager in India is INR 3.25 lakh per annum. Professionals in this field can expect to earn anywhere between INR 1.5 lakh per annum to INR 7 lakh per annum, depending on their experience and skills.  Social media managers with less than a year’s experience earn around INR 2.5 lakh per annum.  On the contrary, those with one to four years of experience make an average compensation of INR 3.19 lakh per annum.  Similarly, those with five to nine years of experience earn INR 6.96 lakh per annum on average. Professionals having more than ten years of experience earn INR 10 lakh per year.  What Does a Social Media Manager Do? A social media manager is responsible for managing the social media presence of their organisation. They look after their organisation’s social media accounts, communicate with the customers, and manage their online reputation.  They are responsible for generating and managing content for their organisation’s social media profiles and pages. Social media managers must have strong communication skills as they have to lead a team of media professionals for generating the required content.  They also interact with the organisation’s customers, answer their questions, and focus on generating sales through social media engagement.  How to Enter this Field? Journalism is certainly one of the most lucrative and challenging industries a person can enter. There are many careers you can pursue in this field, and they all have their unique highlights.  However, to enter this industry, you must have the necessary qualifications. Recruiters always look for skilled and qualified professionals in this sector. Thus, it is great to have both the necessary skills and certifications to show your expertise and competency.  At upGrad, we offer the following three courses in journalism and mass communication. All of the following programs teach you in-demand skills and make you familiar with the ins and outs of the industry. Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication This is a 3-year course, and it’s perfect for students who want to earn a handsome journalism and mass communication salary in India. You will learn the fundamentals of public relations, creative advertising, reputation management, PR agency management, and much more during this program. We offer this BA course in association with Chandigarh University.  Master of Arts in Communication & Journalism This 2-year MA program is offered in partnership with the University of Mumbai. Some of the prominent subjects you will learn in this course are reporting and writing features, end-to-end scriptwriting, producing digital content, writing and editing original content, and researching. This course also offers a 6-month internship.  Master of Arts – Journalism & Mass Communication In our Master of Arts – Journalism and Mass Communication program, you will learn the fundamental and advanced concepts of this field directly from top instructors and faculty. You get over 300 hours of content and 60+ live sessions during this program.  Conclusion The media is regarded as the 4th pillar of democracy. Ideas and thoughts spread by mass media possess the capacity to influence the general population and society as a whole bringing about change. Furthermore, there is a lot of room for innovation in this subject. Due to these factors, any occupation in this industry is extremely gratifying. The average journalism and mass communication salary in India is quite impressive. It shows there’s a lot of demand for skilled professionals in this industry, and now is the perfect time to enter this sector.  What are your thoughts on journalism and mass communication? Which job would you prefer in this field?  Share your thoughts in the comment section below. 
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by Siddhant Khanvilkar

11 Sep 2023

Journalist Salary in India in 2024 [Average to Highest]
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With the advent of the digital age, journalism, and content creation jobs have seen significant growth. More and more people are connected to the internet and wish to keep themselves updated with the latest news and happenings around the world. This has brought about an undeniable spike in demand for competent journalists and media persons.  If you enjoy meeting new people, have excellent communication skills, and have insightful questions to ask, journalism is the right career for you. Journalism can be even more lucrative if you enjoy reading and writing in English or any other regional language. In this manner, you can pursue jobs that don’t just revolve around reporting and anchoring.  Not to mention, the salary bands for professionals in journalism are rather rewarding. The journalist’s salary in India starts according to Payscale is ₹370,608 /year. There are plenty of career advancement opportunities from here to attract higher salary packages.  For this reason, people with a passion for writing, competent interpersonal skills, an inquisitive mind, and a willingness to stay in the public domain should consider taking up journalism as a career.  How to Become a Journalist? Journalists are creative people who are required to create unique, engaging and newsworthy/readable content on a diverse range of subjects.  Becoming a journalist is easy if you have a passion for it. There are several different streams or career options one can choose from after completing the relevant courses in journalism, arts and mass communication. To get started on your journalism journey, here are the courses in journalism that you can pursue: BJ (Bachelor of Journalism) BJMC (Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication) BA – JMC (Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication) BCJ (Bachelor of Communication and Journalism) BMM (Bachelor of Mass Media) BJ (Hons) (Bachelor of Journalism (Honours)) B.A. – Mass Communication (Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication) PG Diploma (Mass Communication & Journalism) M.B.A. (Mass Media Management) Where you decide to pursue the above courses should depend on the quality of education an institution offers, the credibility of the college’s degree, and the opportunities it exposes you to in landing a lucrative placement. This is important, especially in a competitive career like journalism, because it determines how well you can shape your career ahead. upGrad, the online educational platform, offers relevant graduate and postgraduate courses from reputed colleges that can help you kickstart your career in journalism and fetch high-paying jobs on completion.  1. Bachelor of Arts – Journalism & Mass Communication from Chandigarh University  This 3-year course with in-built internship opportunities comprises 450+ hours of learning content, 80+ live sessions, and 30+ case studies and projects. On completion of the course, you earn a bachelor’s degree from the UGC-recognised university that is NAAC A+ accredited. 2. Master of Arts in Public Relations from the University of Mumbai  This 2-year course is designed to teach you new-age digital media skills. It is offered in three languages and the curriculum comprises a 6 months inbuilt internship opportunity, 20 electives, 3 personalised learning tracks, and 1 dissertation. It exposes you to upGrad’s 300+ hiring partners to help you land your dream job.  3. Master of Arts in Communication and Journalism from the University of Mumbai  Offered in three languages (English, Marathi and Hindi), the 2-year course has an in-built internship program spanning 6 months and personalised learning tracks that exposes you to the profession and helps polish your skills.  You can pursue these courses alongside your work or dedicatedly depend on your time and interests. Careers in Journalism & Salary in Journalism Journalism opens doors to pursue several career options. These range from regular media jobs to various other specialized domain-specific roles.  The work profile and Journalist Salary in India can vary based on your area of expertise. If you are working as a content creator, you would mostly be doing your job sitting in your office or at home if you are a freelancer. Your regular work would include creating content like blogs, media content, press releases, website contents, etc. If you are a journalist or reporter, you will be involved in fieldwork and would be expected to weave news and write-ups on the latest happenings in your city and worldwide. Let us discuss further the career options you have with a background in journalism:  1. Journalist/Reporter (starting from INR 1,70,000 per year) One of the most obvious career options available after completing a degree in journalism would be to become a reporter or journalist. This job would require you to create reports on the events and happenings of a given area. As a journalist or a reporter, you are also required to conduct press conferences and open-house sessions with prominent personalities. It should be noted that reporting is a challenging job and could become hectic if you are assigned multiple events to cover. You are also sent to remote areas or unfriendly areas so the position requires that you possess an adventurous spirit. If you do, you will thoroughly enjoy travelling and meeting new people. 2. Staff Writer (starting from INR 2,00,000 per year) As the name suggests, a staff writer is an in-house writer whose job is to produce good quality and engaging content on relevant topics. It can be for a newspaper, magazine, online portal, or any other media channel. As a staff writer, you must be ready to work on multiple projects belonging to various niches. This is also possibly a key point why candidates prefer the position of a staff writer; you get to work on a variety of exciting subjects, are paid well, and can also pursue a number of career advancement opportunities.  3. Content Writer (starting from INR 1,31,000 per year) While the nature of work done by a staff writer and a content writer are almost similar, there are one key difference content writers can work freelance, if they so wish. They can work for multiple clients or agencies providing their services on a per word or per submission basis. There are several online and offline agencies that a content creator can associate with to get work. Working as a freelance writer gives you the freedom to choose your work timings and also pursue any other work or passion parallelly. 4. News Producer (starting from INR 1,80,000 per year) News producers are in charge of finalising the news that will be aired or published on a news channel. Their job involves conducting interviews and performing research to determine the current trends, latest affairs, and other news-worthy events. Another responsibility of news producers is to assist news anchors and writers to craft relevant stories for a channel.  5. News Editor (starting from INR 1,49,000 per year) A news editor is accountable for all news publications, online and offline. It is their job to monitor all processes and operations of media houses, magazines, news portals, and more. They decide the layout, content to be published, headlines, content style and structure, and are the decision-makers in all the major activities related to publishing. Another additional responsibility of a news editor is to help target the right reader base with the news stories they put out.  6. Copywriter (starting from INR 95,000 per year) Copywriters create unique and innovative content for a company to help enhance their online and offline presence. They help the company connect with the customer through well-targeted and carefully-crafted brochures, media campaigns, emails, blogs, messages, among others. They also play a pivotal role in creating a brand image and aligning marketing campaigns to promote brand awareness. They work in teams and may be involved in several projects at the same time. 7. Social Media Planner (starting from INR 2,21,000 per year) With the growth of the internet, online presence has become a huge criterion for the success of any business or organization. High profile social media ads are the most sought-after marketing strategies to drive optimum results in a short span using relatively few resources. These paid advertisements and social media strategies are outlined by a social media planner. They work with the content creation team, marketing team, and finance team, to produce social media campaigns that have the potential to drive growth for a business.  8. Digital Strategist (starting from INR 2,27,000 per year) Digital Strategists are a step ahead of Social Media Planners. The primary responsibility of a digital strategist is to identify new target areas for increasing a company’s digital presence. This requires conducting market research and keeping up with industry trends to ensure a company gets expected visibility in a chosen area. Apart from creating unique marketing content, they also have expertise in SEO methodologies that can help companies drive traffic and increase conversion rates.  9. Corporate Communication Specialist (starting from INR 3,63,000 per year) A corporate communication specialist is a very interesting role for someone with expertise in both marketing and PR. As a corporate communication specialist, you are required to create content for internal and external communication. Developing press releases (PR content), marketing content, and other media content is an integral part of the job description. Another highlight of the job is that you have first-hand knowledge of the policies and regulatory decisions of a company. Based on these and the company needs, a  corporate communication specialist is expected to chart out plans to determine what part of this information will be circulated internally and which will be shared with the public. This means you would be required directly with company executives and corporate managers which would enhance visibility for the work you do as well provide exposure to leverage for high-level positions.  10. Public Relations Specialist (starting from INR 1,56,000 per year) As a public relations specialist, you are required to create communication plans, and media strategies, and control public releases. The roles and responsibilities include creating presentations for the management, content for internal employees, and content for external communication, including blogs, PRs, fact sheets, and more. You will also be required to take part in industry events and speak about the company. This position gives you a lot of exposure to the marketing world and would give you opportunities to travel and meet a lot of people across the globe. Note: Remember, these are just the starting salaries for entry-level professionals that go upwards to approx. INR 1 million annually based on your knowledge and experience. Importance of journalism in our society Without journalism, the world would be in an ignorant state. Journalism aims at empowering citizens by giving them the right information.  The provided information allows the citizens to make informed decisions. Journalism is helpful in various aspects of life, such as political scenarios, social rights, climate change, and giving a voice to the voiceless. It is also helpful in fighting for human rights and promoting critical thinking, entertainment, and education. It plays a crucial role in providing citizens with accurate and reliable information that affects their daily lives. Also, journalism is also helpful in maintaining openness and transparency in society.  Democracy is promoted by giving individuals a voice for their rights and ensuring their opinions are heard. It allows exchanging of ideas that create dialogue, eventually leading to greater societal understanding and tolerance. The efforts and stakes are high in this field, which is reflected in the high journalist salary in the country. Top skills needed to be a journalist The journalists work as watchdogs on behalf of the public. They are required to be highly skilled in order to be true to their job. Communication  As the name suggests, communication skills are highly important in the field of journalism. No matter, how one is proficient in other skills if one’s communication skills are not good enough, there are lesser chances of acing in the field of journalism.  The journalists are required to interview, deliver reports, and write articles and scripts as a part of their jobs. Communication skills are not confined to speaking rather it includes writing, being empathetic, etc.  Attention to detail The journalists are required to write reports dealing with sensitive data and so on. They are responsible for providing authentic sources of information to the people who consume their news. As a journalist, it is important for them to make sure that the information provided to the public is accurate and for that, they need to have a strong network of sources.  Literacy of digital media With the advent of technology, the world is turning digital. The industries, organisations are turning digital and for that, professionals also need to be at high pace with the technology. The journalists must know how to use websites, digital tools, laptops, applications, gadgets, etc. As digital broadcasting news is one of the best ways to reach a larger audience.  Investigative reporting Although journalists have to be good at various other skills investigative reporting comes first. This type of reporting allows the users to probe into harmful activities, and practices happening in society.  To perform this, journalists are required to be discreet and protect their information.  Final Thoughts  Journalism is a wonderful career path and can open up numerous avenues for you to explore down the road. It is a field that recognizes hard work and can take you places with dedication and experience. For those who seek the truth and a taste of fame, journalism is a good starting point.  Decide on a career path that is most aligned with your aspirations, and then carve out a niche for yourself in that area.
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by Siddhant Khanvilkar

18 Mar 2023

Technical Writer Salary in India in 2024 [Average to Highest]
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Are you a creative person and want a career in the tech industry? Then you should pursue a career in technical writing.  Contrary to popular belief, technical writing is a highly creative field as it requires you to simplify technical and jargon-filled language into an easily understandable one.  Technical writers work in multiple industries, and it’s among the best careers for people who love to write. However, if a job doesn’t pay well, it loses all of its lustre. That’s why we’ll discuss the average technical writer salary in India and explore why it’s a fantastic career to pursue. You’ll also find out what factors affect your salary in this field and how you can get higher pay. Let’s get started: What is the Average Technical Writer salary in India? The average technical writer salary in India is INR 4.97 lakh per year. This role’s pay scale ranges from INR 2.29 lakh per annum to INR 10 lakh per annum, including shared profits and bonuses.  The demand for technical writers has increased exponentially in the last few years as the number of tech companies and startups has blown up. You can understand how lucrative this field is when The Economic Times included it in their list of the highest paying jobs in 2017. As the number of tech companies grows, the demand for technical writers will increase accordingly. Also, keep in mind that you can pursue a freelance career in this profession if you don’t want a 9-5 job. The average pay of freelance writers in India is INR 475 per hour. Their total pay ranges from INR 1.93 lakh per annum to INR 20 lakh per annum. However, they don’t work in traditional job settings, and their income is highly variable depending on the number of clients they work with.  What Does a Technical Writer Do? Technical writers are responsible for writing instruction manuals and related documents to give detailed technical information in a simple and non-technical language. They have to gather the required information from the production teams and manufacturers and convey the same to the customers. Technical writers write guides, instruction manuals, journal articles and other related documents. Usually, they work with companies that organise, produce, or distribute technical products.  They must have strong research skills as they are responsible for understanding the readers of their written documents. A technical writer must know who their target audience is to convey information clearly and use the correct language. It allows the reader to find, understand, and follow the required guidelines easily.  Technical writers must analyse the target audience of their project and define their requirements. What the document would sound like and how it will feel depend solely on the target audience, which is why it’s one of the most pivotal duties of a technical writer to find the right audience.  They conduct audience analysis to determine the document’s design, presentation, and content.  For example, hardware documents are usually very clear, simple, and concise, so inexperienced users can use them efficiently.  On the other hand, documentation for advanced machinery and tools uses different technical languages because they assume the reader has considerable knowledge of their field.  Technical writers work in numerous industries such as medicine, engineering, software, etc. The development life cycle of technical writing is quite similar to the product development lifecycle of an organisation.  They work in teams with other specialists, editors, graphic designers, and content managers. Thus, it’s essential to have good communication skills. The role might require them to train or coach junior writers as well.  Factors Affecting Technical Writer Salary in India The average technical writer salary in India depends on many factors. You should know how these factors affect technical writer salary to determine how much you can expect to earn in this profession.  When you know what factors contribute to higher pay, you can plan your career accordingly and climb the ranks faster. The most prominent factors that affect the average technical writer salary in India are: Experience Skills Location Employer Let’s discuss each of them in detail to understand how they affect your pay: Experience The biggest factor that determines your technical writer salary in India is the amount of experience you have. Beginners and those with less experience earn substantially less than those with more experience.  Entry-level technical writers earn around 44% less than the industry average. Similarly, early career professionals in this field make 17% less than the median salary. On the other hand, mid-career professionals earn 54% higher than the average, while late-career technical writers earn 179% higher than the average. Indeed, having more experience will help you get a better salary.  A technical writer with less than a year’s experience earns an average salary of INR 2.77 lakh per annum. Those with one to four years of experience make around INR 4.14 lakh per annum on average.  With a few years of experience, your pay in this field would increase substantially as a technical writer with five to nine years of experience earns INR 7.66 lakh per annum on average. Those with 10 to 19 years of experience in this field earn around an average salary of INR 13.8 lakh per annum.  Skills Your skill-level and expertise in relevant skills affect your technical writer salary heavily. As the industry evolves, the in-demand skills change accordingly. This is why having industry-specific and updated skills helps you in getting a better salary.  The most popular skills among technical writers in India are: Writing Procedures and Documentation Microsoft Office Microsoft Word Microsoft Excel By knowing which skills have the most demand, you can develop the same and stand out from the competition. On the other hand, certain skills tend to increase your salary as well.  Technical writers with the Confluence skill report to earn 103% higher than the industry average. Similarly, those who know how to use Madcap Flare earn 37% more than the average, whereas those familiar with XML (eXtensible Markup Language) make 20% higher than the average. Adobe FrameMaker (17% higher than average) and Adobe RoboHelp (11% higher than average) are also skills that can get you better pay. Some additional skills that can help you get better pay as a technical writer are: Adobe Acrobat (5% higher than average) Adobe Photoshop (4% higher than average) Microsoft Visio (3% higher than average) Clearly, by developing certain skills, you can get a considerably higher salary as a technical writer. Also, keep in mind that you can get promoted to a higher role as you get more experience and develop advanced skills, such as a senior technical writer. The average pay of a senior technical writer in India is INR 10.1 lakh per annum, and it can go up to INR 20 lakh per annum.  Location Your location has a significant impact on your pay as a technical writer. Some cities offer above-average salaries, whereas some cities offer lower pay. You should know which cities offer the best pay so you can plan your career accordingly.  The best city for technical writers in terms of average pay is Bangalore. The average it offers to technical writers is 11.5% higher than the national average. Professionals in this field earn higher salaries in Noida (2.3% higher than average) and Hyderabad (2.4% higher than average).  Conversely, some cities offer below-average salaries. The city that offers the lowest pay to technical writers in India is Kolkata which offers 32.8 less than the average income. Other cities in this category include Pune (7% less than the average) and Chennai (16% less than the average).  Employer Lastly, a prominent factor that determines your salary as a technical writer is your employer. Some companies offer substantially higher salaries while some others offer lower pay. However, you shouldn’t simply choose an employer solely based on their offered income. You should also consider additional benefits (for example, health insurance) and the company culture while choosing your employer company.  In terms of India’s highest technical writer salary, Cisco Systems Inc comes at the top as its average pay is INR 13.7 lakh per annum for these professionals. Other companies that offer significantly high salaries to technical writers are Nutanix (INR 12.3 lakh per annum) and Juniper Networks (INR 10.8 lakh per annum).  On the other hand, ZOHO Corporation and HCL Technologies offer lower salaries to their technical writers – the average pay is INR 5.7 lakh per annum and INR 5.89 lakh per annum, respectively.  How to Earn the Top Technical Writer Salary in India In the tech sector, recruiters look for qualified candidates with the most in-demand skills in their arsenal. By developing the right skills and having the proper qualification, you can easily bag a lucrative role in established corporations.  The best way to develop the necessary technical writing skills is by taking a journalism course. A journalism course will equip you with the writing and communication expertise you need to convey highly technical information into a simplified language.  Completing a journalism course will give you the required qualifications to apply for technical writing roles in multiple companies. Moreover, you can complete a PG course in one of the industries you want to enter to enhance your chances of bagging a high-paying role there. At upGrad, we offer two courses in journalism and mass communication. Both of them are offered online, so you can upskill from your home without leaving your job: Master of Arts – Journalism and Mass Communication (with Chandigarh University) Master of Arts in Communication & Journalism (with University of Mumbai)  On the other hand, you can take an industry-specific course such as data science, artificial intelligence, or software development and pursue a technical writing role in these fields. Check out our homepage to find programs in those domains.  Conclusion A career in technical writing is certainly a lucrative one. With sufficient experience and expertise, you can easily bag a handsome salary. Moreover, the job promises a high degree of satisfaction. You get to experiment with your writing technique, tonality, and approach while continually learning about the latest advancements in tech domains.   
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by Siddhant Khanvilkar

30 Oct 2022

How to Launch your Career in PR in India? [Step-by-Step Guide]
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The career of a Public Relations executive is dynamic, ever-changing, and never dull or monotonous. As far as careers go, it is considered one of the most prestigious and well-paying ones. However, that doesn’t mean that working in PR is a never-ending party. There aren’t endless brunches and lunches, nor are there bottomless expense budgets for you to travel across the world. With that being said, PR is still a lucrative career option, especially if you are interested in having a high-flying media career. A career in PR is highly in demand due to how much the brands invest in their social media page. They perceive social media as the most important aspect of their business. The business reputation depends upon how the market perceives the brand.  Before we dive in to answer your question about how to launch your career in PR, let’s first understand if it is a suitable career option for you. Is PR the Right Career Option for you? To answer this question, you’ll first need to understand that PR is all about communicating with audiences and the gatekeepers that access these audiences. This means that you’ll have to be passionate about communication and media-related tasks like attending events, calling professionals in your network, planning and strategizing your communication plan, etc. Apart from these skills, it is also better if you have an extroverted personality as you’ll be communicating with various people in the course of your average workday. To make it a PR executive, you will also need to be a quick thinker who can handle yourself in high-pressure or crises. If you’re easily intimidated by such situations, a career in PR may not be for you. If you’re passionate about the creative side of the media industry, you can look at a career as a copywriter, scriptwriter, content marketer, graphic designer, motion graphics artist, art director, or content strategist. Alternatively, if your real passion lies on the technical side, you could pursue a career in augmented reality, media planning, innovations, or even in pure science-based fields. You may have thought to yourself, ‘how much do PR professionals in India make?’. So, let’s talk about the remuneration PR professionals receive. According to this crowdsourced salary tool, an entry-level PR executive makes an average of ₹297,459 annually. By the time an executive gains four years of experience in the industry, they draw an average of ₹411,745 per year, which grows to ₹779,610 annually by the time they have a total experience of 6-9 years. Seasoned professionals with over a decade of expertise reportedly earned an average of ₹1,029,126 annually. Source After gaining sufficient expertise in the industry, you will be well-equipped with the skills required to branch out as a freelancer, if you choose to do so. To know how to become a PR freelancer in India, check out our article here.  How to Launch Your Career in PR in India 1. Start With The Right Education After you finish with your 12th-grade examinations, you can pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Media, Journalism, or even Mass Communications. These undergraduate education streams will equip you with a core foundation in subjects like communications, consumer behaviour, sociology, media theory, digital advertising, etc. It goes without saying that the right Bachelor’s degree will help you develop a keen understanding of how the industry works and will also equip you with the skills needed to thrive in it. The right education would help in acquiring skill sets. Those skill sets would help in navigating through the market and bringing optimum results in the tasks.  There are various skills required in PR such as IT skills, communication, initiative, etc. These skills are helpful in tackling various situations that may come across.  The right education exposes oneself to various situations, skill sets, etc. which helps in understanding diverse behaviors thereby empowering PR professionals in handling various situations thereby helping them in their  PR career.  If you want to make a career within a specific industry sector, it makes sense to pursue a post-graduate diploma that focuses on your interest area. For example, if you want to learn all there is to know about PR, check out MICA and upGrad’s Public Relations M.A. Program to take your skills to the next level. With this program, you can become an expert in social media marketing, content marketing, branding, marketing analysis, and many other skills relevant to the industry. 2. Get The Right Experience In the last decade, the PR and communication industry has grown. However, landing jobs in the industry has become more difficult without the right experience. Once you graduate and enter the job market, employers will be on the lookout for candidates who impress them with a mix of their theoretical knowledge, as well as their on-ground experience. Needless to say, internships or apprenticeships are the best options when you’re looking to get substantial work experience. Learn more about the PR skills you need to develop. In fact, it’s wise to intern when you are in college itself. Not only does this help you apply what you learn in your course, but it also enables you to understand the inner working of the industry. That way, you’ll know what skills you need to develop and what strengths of yours can be enhanced further. Once you enter the job market, you’ll also have to showcase a portfolio of your projects and work for employers to evaluate. Internships, especially with reputed PR firms and agencies can add value to your portfolio and help you stand out from other candidates. The experience would also help in clarifying the apprehension of “How to get into PR?” As an intern, you would be given the opportunity to observe and perform various duties that would help in giving a perspective on your career. With the added responsibilities, the resume also increases. The professionals get to add the projects they have done which bring positive attention from the employer, thus improving the chances of getting higher compensation, or designation.  Gaining experience is another way to figure out “How to become a PR?” Getting an internship is one of the steps to becoming a PR, as one gains experience and enhances their network.   Related: How to become a PR Freelancer in India? 3. Build Your Professional Network Like so many other industries, even Public Relations is all about the right connections. This principle applies even when we’re answering the question of how to launch our career in PR. To start off, join groups related to the industry on all social media platforms that you can. There are numerous such groups on LinkedIn and even Facebook. All you need to do is keep yourself regularly updated with who is frequently posting, who the industry’s thought leaders and trendsetters are, and other important information. By doing so, you’ll also stay up-to-date on the latest news, learn something new and cultivate fruitful professional relationships. LinkedIn’s Job listings are usually trust-worthy, from reputed organizations, and help you develop new connections within the industry. It’s always a good idea to reconnect with old bosses, professors, peers, and other industry contacts you may have. Wherever possible, ask for recommendations from old colleagues and supervisors. These recommendations (especially on LinkedIn) are a permanent way for potential recruiters to see your abilities attested by others. 4. Stay Updated and Be Social-Savvy This one is quite the no-brainer! One of the most important factors when it comes to building your PR prowess is staying up-to-date with the news, current affairs, and with what’s trending online. As an industry, PR is ever-evolving, and for your work to remain relevant and impactful, it must evolve as well. The industry that your clients belong to should undoubtedly be one that you’re regularly updated on. However, it pays to be active on social media as it helps you track the latest trends, get the latest information and keep tabs on the competition. The PR needs to be having knowledge of various aspects so they can address or highlight what eventually helps them in building a positive brand image or staying relevant. The clients rely on the skills of their PR and hold their trust in tackling any situation that may arise. So the students who are aspiring for this career and have the apprehension of “How to become PR?”  must hone their skill sets to get better job opportunities. 5. Learn to Communicate Effectively We’ve said this before, and we’ll repeat it – to be a successful and effective PR professional, you must have stellar communication skills. If you aren’t naturally gifted at these skills, it pays to invest in a course that helps. Even a few tutorial videos and self-help books that can strengthen your weak areas are a great idea! Since you will often be the communication bridge between your client’s end and the media’s end, learn to be straightforward, yet amicable when you pitch, negotiate or work out other details with your professional network. This will help you develop a positive reputation that will only help you and your clients in the long run. If you aren’t the most patient or polite person, work on building a calmer and more collected demeanour. Understandably, this is a long-drawn process, but the rewards will be huge. How good of a communicator the PR manager is, the better impact it reflects on the media. Here the communication is not only verbal but also written communication.  The apprehension of “How to become a PR executive?” gets answered with the first step which is to be a good communicator. As the words of PR would be a reflection of how a brand itself perceives or thinks. Sometimes they would have to be diplomatic and sometimes they have to be clear with their thoughts and show a stance. Whichever it is, it should not be derogatory to anyone. 6. Get Better At The Day-to-Day Role’s Duties All PR agencies don’t function in the same way. Not only do they serve clients in different sectors, but they also have distinct processes when it comes to execution. Additionally, when you have a hands-on responsibility towards a client, you will need to be well-versed in their industry’s basics. If you have a client who deals with music artists and singers, you will have to acclimatize yourself to the industry. Similarly, if your client is in the IT industry, you’ll have to brush up on your IT vocab so that you can be at your professional best. Most firms will train you and help you familiarize yourself with the industry and media landscape based on the client portfolio at the organization. However, as always, it won’t hurt to go the extra mile. Tap into your professional network and on social platforms and attend training and workshops to aid your career growth. Conclusion While this article can act as a simple guide for those looking for advice on how to launch your career in PR, it is only a thought-starter. To succeed and make it as a PR professional in India, you need to learn and develop skills and competencies that will help you achieve goals for your clients. If you wish to explore and become a PR expert, check out Mumbai university and upGrad’s Public Relations M.A. Program to take your skills to the next level. With this program, you can become an expert in social media marketing, content marketing, branding, marketing analysis, and PR.
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by Kamal Jacob

26 Sep 2022

Career and Job opportunities After Master’s in Journalism and Mass Communication
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If you’re wondering about career paths- choices after a master’s degree in journalism, look no further. This article will quickly take you through all the possible options you can explore after a Master’s degree in Journalism.  Before we go ahead, let’s first talk about the need for a specialized Journalism degree to advance your career. The skills required to make a journalist today have grown and encompassed a wide range of topics and areas of expertise. To make sure you’re updated, educated, and have the right set of skills to take over the world, you need to pursue a Journalism course that prepares you for the industry’s reality.  Whatever your Bachelor’s path may have been, a specialization like the University of Mumbai and upGrad’s M.A. in Communication and Journalism is a viable course option for those who wish to broaden their horizons. Designed by experts, this course will teach you everything you need to know about advocacy, reporting, press laws, ethics, newspaper & magazine designing, sports journalism, and so much more. Not only does this robust course help you develop the skills needed to make it in the field, but it also enables you to learn about the new and unexplored possibilities within the industry.  There are plenty of jobs after journalism and mass communication for various reasons. The demand is a contributing factor, but more so the variety it offers. Journalism is not limited to one or two options; instead, there are multiple other options that one can choose for themselves. Some options to choose from are digital media, print media, television, crime reporting, broadcast journalism, trade journalism, sports media, travel, etc. The mass communication and journalism career options broaden due to this. Additionally, the career is not only high paying but is also respectable.  Journalism is necessary and relevant in one country and every part of the world. So professionals can make a promising career in any world with skill sets. Journalists make a positive impact on society by providing news that is transparent to the public. They should not be biased but rather only present the facts.  There are numerous journalism and mass communication job opportunities in different areas of journalism. The employers are not limited, unlike earlier. There is a number of options to choose from, as mentioned above. Job seekers can make a successful career in any option depending on their interests. Let’s look at the viable career paths after a Master’s degree in Journalism.  Career Paths After a Master’s Degree in Journalism 1. Reporter or Correspondent  Whether it’s a magazine, newspaper, content website, news channel, or radio show, reporters are the individuals who research and collect information about important events, incidents, accidents, etc., from primary sources. They attend news conferences, set up interviews, write articles, attend hearings, etc., to inform the stories they write or broadcast. Since media has moved beyond the confines of digital and traditional mediums, the average reporter’s job duties have changed.  Reporter as a career in journalism and mass communication is very exciting and gives good exposure. A reporter must be having certain robust skill sets such as the capability of interviewing because they are supposed to interact with various sources, and extracting the information through interviewing is a skill. Reporting, writing, communicating, etc., are other skills that are equally important. A reporter must have these skills for them to make the most use of the available resources. And in addition to this, most importantly, the reporter must have investigative and interpersonal skills.  There are various types of reporting, such as news, sports, entertainment, politics, crime, etc. These are multiple sub-domains; professionals can choose any path that excites them. 2. Writer, Editor, or Proofreader Within journalism, writers have a unique role as they put the facts at hand into words that can then inform the public. Depending on your experience or your skillset, you could explore a career as a features writer, entertainment writer, sports writer, or even a digital content creator. If you’re skilled at grammar, punctuation, and spellings, you could consider a career in proofreading where these skills will give you an edge. As you move up the ladder, you can even branch out to an editor’s role, where you will be responsible for ensuring uniformity, authenticity, and continuity of print or digital media publications.   These kinds of jobs after mass communication and journalism are very good in the long run. These professionals are required in each type of journalism as they are responsible for the content. As known by all, content is one of the most important pillars of any successful media.  These professionals are responsible for making sure the content is solid and curated according to the target group and error-free. The media houses pay good attention, compensation and respect to their writers, editors and proofreaders.  Their relevancy is not limited to print media, but with the advent of digital media, they are responsible for the content that is to be present in the digital world as well. The content represents the brand’s image, and it must make sense to the audience. To build this connection, writers, editors and proofreaders are trained as they possess the relevant skills. 3. Columnist, Cartoonist, or Critic  If you have a specialized area of interest or contribute your views on a particular news segment, a columnist career may be apt for you. Columnists write on a variety of topics like politics, fashion, movies, crime, etc. After a few years, if you gain experience and knowledge within a particular subject, you can branch out and pursue a critic’s path. For those candidates who have excellent illustration skills, a sense of humour, and the ability to be satirical, a career as a cartoonist may be a great fit.  A columnist is given a space to offer their opinions or shed light on the pressing issue. Columns occupy space in the newspaper, blogs, magazines, etc. The column could be written on any domain such as politics, sports, entertainment, food, education, travel, etc. Depending on the topic, the columnist may write their comments or opinions or give a new perspective to the readers. Columnists must be articulate, well-read, have good writing skills and most importantly, must be creative to catch the reader’s attention.  Cartoonists, on the other hand, represent their views through their cartoons. They could either present an analysis of the situation through the pictures. The images created by the cartoonists are creative and relevant to the topic. Critics are also essential media persons. They assess, analyse, and provide feedback. The critics could be in any field such as politics, food, movie, fashion, architecture, finance, etc. 4. Broadcast Reporters or Presenters  If you have excellent public speaking, communication, and presentation skills, broadcast reporting may be a career path to consider after a Master’s degree in Journalism. For those who have great language, diction, and oration skills, the presentation of shows and news channels can be a good fit. To be a good presenter, you will also have to work on facial expressions, tone, voice pitch, and body language.  The broadcast reporters or presenters must possess the following skill sets in order to flourish in their jobs- General knowledge Hold on to their voice Conflict resolution Ability to accept criticism Honest Hold on to the language  Self Starter 5. Content and Copy Writing Suppose you have impeccable writing skills and a keen sense of writing persuasively. In that case, you could be a great fit as content or copywriter in an advertising or digital media agency or even with a brand. Writing branded content can open up your career possibilities within the corporate sphere and help you write marketing copy instead of merely covering the news and current affairs.  The content or copywriters should be creative and must have time management skills. They should also be having strong research skills as they are required to put content in their write-ups. Most importantly, content writers should be well versed in grammar and must produce content that is error-free; in order to fulfil that, they must be good at editing as well. Content and copywriters are required in almost every field which makes a lot many opportunities available for them. They should focus on developing their skills and portfolio in order to climb up the ladder. 6. Public Relations or Events Executive  While a specialized degree in PR or Event Management is more suited to a career path in these industries, you can still consider them if you have a Master’s in Journalism. If you have excellent negotiation, communication, and convincing skills, you can explore a career in public relations to manage brand reputations and manage crises for them. Additionally, event management is a dynamic industry where you can hone your coordination, creativity, planning, and management skills.  They are required in every domain and industry. Some of the skills that are required from these professions include- Strong communication skills Networking Problem-solving Conflict resolution Analytical Self- starter Presentation skills IT skills General Knowledge Creative Interpersonal skills Conclusion While this article can advise you on the various career paths after a Master’s degree in Journalism, it pays to do your research and choose your career based on your strengths and interests.  If you wish to explore further, check out the University of Mumbai and upGrad’s M.A in Communication and Journalism to take your knowledge & skills to the next level. With this program, you can become an expert in media, communications, and journalism. 
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by Kamal Jacob

26 Sep 2022

How To Launch Your Journalism Career in India in 2024
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In this day and age, there’s something new brewing in every corner of the planet. Additionally, in our fast-paced, highly connected, and increasingly global political scenario, the journalists’ role is highly significant. Journalism, as a career, is fast-paced, dynamic, ever-changing, and exciting. This makes it perfect as a professional path for those who enjoy storytelling and are interested in world events and current issues.  Before we dive in to answer your question of how to launch your journalism career, let’s first understand if it is a suitable career option for you.  Is Journalism the Right Career Option for You?  To answer this question, you’ll first need to understand that journalism is all about reporting the truth about topics of public interest. In today’s digitalized world, journalism has evolved from newspapers and periodicals to innumerable dynamic formats. This has caused the responsibilities and skills needed by journalists to change. However, the fundamental qualities required to succeed in the field remain the same.  As a journalist, you have an unspoken duty towards serving the public. This means that ethics and morals rank high when you are entrusted with the responsibility of impartially and accurately reporting facts, figures, and updates about issues and events. Apart from this, individuals who have analytical abilities and an astute awareness about their surroundings make better journalists. If you are someone who struggles with staying observant, assertive, level-headed, or if you don’t enjoy undertaking extensive research or fact-checking projects, journalism may not be the right fit for you. Instead, you can explore a career in copywriting, editing, or even many social media marketing verticals. source You may have wondered, ‘How much do journalists make in India?’. Well, the average annual salary for a Journalist is ₹370,608. However, many journalists freelance in their spare time to supplement their income and branch out and try other forms of writing. In that way, the sky is the limit.  How to Launch Your Journalism Career As a journalist or a reporter, you will spend a lot of time rifling through public records, open information sources, crime scenes, courts, or other newsworthy avenues. You will do all of these and more, to write articles, produce news segments, or even create a blog. At times you will interview experts, celebrities, government officials, or other sources. However, you need to be trained and gain experience before you can set out on your path as a journalist.  You can follow these steps to launch your journalism career in India.  Here are the steps to take if you want to become a journalist. Start With The Right Education  After you finish with your 12th-grade examinations, you can kickstart your career with a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Media, Mass Communications, Journalism, or even English Literature. These undergraduate education streams will help you develop your skills and knowledge related to writing, fact-checking, politics, human rights, sociology, etc.  Additionally, you can choose to specialize in a particular branch of journalism by picking a course that can equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills.  Irrespective of which Bachelor’s stream you pursue, you can always become an expert with a specially-designed Master’s course in Journalism. The University of Mumbai and upGrad’s M.A. in Communication and Journalism is an excellent choice for those candidates who want to learn about media laws, ethics, theories, television studies, filmmaking, sports journalism, advocacy, reporting, and many other key subjects related to journalism. Apart from equipping you with the skills needed to make it as a journalist in today’s increasingly competitive world, this course will also help you familiarize yourself with lesser-known streams within India’s journalistic landscape.  Get The Right Experience It’s no secret that establishing yourself in India’s media industry as a journalist is not the easiest of endeavours. However, by gaining on-ground experience and experimenting with available resources, you can develop your skills and be more employable. After all, employers will always prefer candidates with substantial work experience, even if they are with smaller organizations or even start-ups.  To make it easier on yourself, take up internships when you are still studying. No doubt, it will give you a chance to see theories put into practice at the workplace. It will also help you build a professional network and understand how the industry works on a day-to-day basis. Such an experience will help you identify your strengths and even give you a chance to work on your weaker areas.  Since journalism largely depends on effective communication and writing, it makes sense to start building a portfolio that can showcase these skills to potential employers. If you haven’t already done so, write a few blogs on topics that interest you to strengthen your writing, researching, and editing skills—scout for websites that accept reader submissions or look for blogs that accept guest articles. If your college or university has a popular magazine or newsletter, see if you can pitch your ideas and get published.  Build Your Professional Network When it comes to Journalism, it makes sense to have the right connections within your industry. You can’t be everywhere at all times, which is why networking can make or break your career’s success. When you start your career, reach out to writers, editors, journalists, or bloggers who you admire and ask them if they’d be available to mentor or guide you. Talk about your experience, aspirations, and professional goals and get their advice. You never know when an internship or job opening may open up at their end, and if you have proven yourself as a responsible and enthusiastic candidate, you may land your dream gig! source   On the digital front, you should keep an eye out for posts or groups that include people from your industry and are related to professional networking. Undoubtedly, LinkedIn is a powerful platform to connect with and discover thought leaders, colleagues, and potential employers. Lastly, LinkedIn recommendations from former bosses, senior colleagues, or even professors and classmates can help potential recruiters assess your abilities.  Pick Your Specialization, But Be Flexible  We all have a field of interest that we prefer over others. Be it print media, digital mediums, or even radio – it pays to be open-minded and explore without preconceived notions about how things work. Today, journalism is becoming increasingly digital, with most processes going online. So, it pays to be updated on how things work online and polishing your skills accordingly.  The areas of specialization like political journalism, sports journalism, magazine writing, financial or business reporting, photojournalism, etc., are among the most popular. However, there are several niches you can explore related to luxury, travel, food, fashion, entertainment, and others.  Work on Your Language, Grammar, and Writing Skills  The best journalists know how to write well, and they can proficiently manage to communicate without beating around the bush. While this may seem intimidating if you have limited experience, remember that practice always helps. Hone your grammar and proof-reading skills, and if required, opt for a specialized course or webinar. If you speak more than one language, use it to your advantage by writing and publishing in as many languages as you’re comfortable with. India’s regional-language media consumption is significant and only set to grow with time. So, it is a wise move to equip yourself accordingly. source  Develop Interpersonal Skills   Journalists usually function in high-pressure, fast-paced, and rapidly shifting environments. To stay productive, objective, and energetic in such situations, you will have to develop a rational thought process and lots of resilience. You may often have to source information from people who aren’t entirely willing to share it with you. Persuasion skills and interview expertise will help you if you’re ever caught in such a scenario. Additionally, you’ll also have to become tenacious to track down sources, stories, follow up with leads, and cross-check facts.  Apart from these skills, you should also invest time and effort in building a more empathetic, unbiased, and respectful demeanour. You may often report on sensitive subjects, challenging situations, tragedies, or other issues that impact people, so make sure you can stay calm and composed in such cases.  Another critical point to remember is that of criticism. As a journalist, you may often cover scandals, controversies, or other events that elicit strong reactions from the public, which may materialize into criticism, disagreement, and in extreme cases, even violence. Make sure you’re prepared to handle these situations while being objective and impartial.  Understand Your Legal and Ethical Responsibilities  While you may be relentlessly following a lead or chasing a story, you must remain within the boundaries of the law. Learn about the rule and regulations related to privacy, confidentiality, and ethical journalism so that you don’t do anything unethical or illegal. Always strive to be accurate, balanced, and ethical while reporting. Wherever needed, take the required permission from authorities with jurisdiction to not expose yourself to a lawsuit or fines. Lastly, be honest and truthful as you go about your day-to-day role.  Final Thoughts  While this article can advise you on how to launch your journalism career, it is only a though-starter. To make it as a journalist, you must develop your skills and explore your professional options.  If you wish to explore and become a journalist, check out the University of Mumbai and upGrad’s M.A in Communication and Journalism to take your writing, reporting, strategizing, editing, and communications skills to the next level. With this program, you can become an expert in media, communications, and journalism. 
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by Dilip Guru

26 Sep 2022

How to Make Career in Journalism in 2024
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Journalism and mass communication are among the most creative and lucrative fields in the modern job market. We are living in a time when the media has become an integral part of our lives. Naturally, more and more young people are looking to pursue a career in journalism.  Journalism is a highly in-demand profession and is constantly evolving and growing. The market size for journalism is estimated to be $2232.62 billion in 2022 (Source). In today’s times, there is not only growth for traditional journalism, but digital journalism is seeing a rise as well. With the advent of technology and digital mediums, digital media houses are seeing growth, and that makes more employment opportunities for journalism graduates. Finding the correct information and guidance at this defining juncture is difficult, as is the decision of choosing the befitting career path for yourself. So, here is an overview of all that you need to know about a career in journalism!  Why Choose Journalism? Before we delve into the skills and job profiles, let us first examine why journalistic profiles are gaining ground among students and professionals. Upon looking closely, one comes across multiple reasons to enter this domain besides the attractive job titles and salary packages. The media is often referred to as the ‘fourth pillar of democracy.’ It focuses on gathering accurate and relevant information and communicating the same in an impartial manner. Media plays a significant role in shaping society by reflecting upon the past, reporting current events, and contributing to cultural influences. Therefore, a career in journalism and mass communication involves much more responsibility than merely minting money and gaining the spotlight.  Journalism is a path to open new gates to an existing issue; the journalists approach the deep-rooted issues and add a new perspective for the masses.  They are also highly responsible for creating an impact, and they educate the masses on various issues. The channel to reach the audience are many, from digital to non-digital. The journalists are able to create a sense of inquisitiveness among the users so that they are able to form an opinion of their own. Another very important reason to choose journalism as a career would be how it helps in finding stories and giving a voice to those who don’t have any. Journalism allows the subjects that have been set aside to come to light to the public. Many times, these efforts of journalists have resulted in getting the people their rights and justice. Finding the correct information and guidance at this defining juncture is difficult, as is the decision of choosing the befitting career path for yourself. So, here is an overview of all that you need to know about a career in journalism!  Here are some other highlights of this profession:  It is a well-paying occupation that gives you plenty of opportunities to connect with people while voicing your opinions. Journalists empower people with knowledge and make a difference in the world with their work. Explaining complex ideas to varied audiences in different formats is an art form in itself. It combines storytelling, collaboration, and managerial aspects, equipping practitioners with critical thinking and life skills. Media careers help you develop diverse skill sets, which are also transferable to other industries. Skills Journalists Need This line of work is an excellent choice for people who like interacting with people. Also, if you are interested in learning how different production techniques (radio, television, digital channels, etc.) work and how combining research with intuition can help in the search for truth, a career in journalism is for you.  For journalism roles, one requires a balance of both technical and soft skills, including: Writing and editing skills These are among the most sought-after competencies in journalists, especially in the digital and print industry. Writing a story that captures the intended audience’s attention and informing them about something relevant is not something that many can ace. Professional education and training can help in building and refining these skills. In a journalism career, the skills of writing and editing hold very great importance. A journalist should be able to communicate their research, and whatever they communicate has to be free of errors in order to avoid any plagiarism or ambiguity. Editing brings a balance to the journalistic writing process because journalists gather information and data through their research; now, this data needs to be presented in such a way that it does not tell a side of a story but instead is putting facts. In order to not look biased, journalists need to be proficient in editing skills. Attention to detail and research aptitude To ensure that your work is credible, you must conduct extensive research before producing a story/report. It is crucial to understand that you can never know everything about a topic. Prior preparation and grasping the nitty-gritty details of a given issue can help you figure out the right people to talk to, which brings us to the next core skill.  Objectivity is achieved through research, and errors can be avoided. The journalists must rely on the primary source of information in order to be accurate with the information that they are giving.  A career as a journalist requires investigative and research skills for another reason, and that is to stay transparent. The research methods can be various depending upon the subject matter for example, on the field, polls, surveys, etc. Interviewing skills After you have selected an interviewee to gather insights about the subject at hand, you must prepare a list of relevant questions. This might entail talking to a peer, brainstorming with industry experts, or referring to your research notes. It is also essential to work on your tone, non-verbal communication, and listening skills so that you can extract the necessary information without missing the essence of the topic of discussion.  Interviewing skills are important because to gather information from the interviewee, it is necessary to be at ease with them so that they can give information without feeling uneasy.  Getting information is a skill, and rapport building plays a significant role in it. The interviewee may give the information, facts, correlating information, quotes, or anything that could serve the purpose of the interview. Digital literacy Computer skills are a standard requirement for journalism roles. Plus, with the advent of digital marketing and social media, digital literacy has become indispensable in modern workplaces. From using multimedia for storytelling to creating visual content (graphics, slideshows, videos, etc.) and using social media to amplify reach, digital applications pervade almost every aspect of a journalist’s job. Journalism job opportunities are not confined to the traditional mode of journalism; rather, there are ample opportunities available in the digital medium. The digital media houses are far and quickly reachable to the larger audience creating larger impacts.  In addition to journalism skills, there is also a big requirement for digital skills that increases the chances of getting better opportunities and make one stand apart from the crowd. Production knowledge In the information age, news and facts are overflowing everywhere. However, not all news is credible or reliable. It is the masterful strategies and detailed research of journalists that transform a piece of information into a trustworthy report. All professionals in this field have a good grasp of written, visual, and audio media and their specific functionalities. Communication skills Effective communication lies at the heart of the job of any media professional. It includes proficiencies like clarity, brevity, choosing the suitable medium and soft skills like constructive feedback, empathy, respect, open-mindedness, etc.  The way you speak can make or break your reputation. The journalists should be eloquent, and they must know how to use their tonality while speaking. The content matters, but if not communicated properly could defeat the efforts. A journalist is constantly interacting with people coming from different walks of life. They should be comfortable speaking with anyone that crosses their path regardless of their background. Objectivity and logical reasoning Be it sports, politics, crime, or world events, the way a journalist presents the subject matter makes all the difference. This involves breaking down the content in an easy-to-understand format and backing it up with facts and statistics. So, it needs a good mix of problem-solving, analysis, and technical competence. Nowadays, journalism courses and training programs incorporate case studies to help students practice, polish, and master these skills.  Time management  Another hallmark of a responsible journalist is time management. Being late for an interview, rambling during a timed news report, and missing deadlines won’t take you very far in the game. So, you must learn how to multitask, priorities, and stick to the schedule.  Scope in Journalism As a journalist, you can find work opportunities in many different industries besides traditional media. You can work in public relations, law firms, consulting firms, corporate businesses, or digital marketing companies. Some may choose to apply their skills like sales and marketing professionals in multinational companies, while others may join startups to explore multiple parallels simultaneously.  In the modern-day, the transition to digital journalism is evident. Content is being produced in many ways, such as articles, reports, and even videos, podcasts, and tweets. These changes have also opened up new avenues for young graduates entering the workforce. Depending on your interest and chosen career path, you can diversify or specialize in a particular domain.  In India, the scope of journalism is incredibly vast, considering the country has the world’s second-largest population, and a growing economy replete with developmental challenges that need visibility, deliberation, and solutions.  “Is journalism a good career in India?” could be a fleeting thought for anyone entering this field. Ro answer, journalism has not one medium rather it has various mediums such as radio, print, television, digital, etc. India is a big country with numerous dialects. Journalism is considered to have a good scope in the country. There are various opportunities in the field of journalism, such as- Fashion journalism Political journalism  Education journalism Entertainment journalism Photojournalism Investigative Journalism Salaries in India The annual salary of a beginner journalist in India ranges from INR 1.5 lakh to 2.5 lakh. This figure goes up depending on the educational qualifications and work experience of the candidate. On average, a journalist with about 5-10 years of experience can earn between INR 4.5 to 5 lakh per year in India. According to Payscale, the total pay can go up to INR 10,00,000 per annum. Typically, those with a master’s degree are offered more remuneration than those with a bachelor’s degree. Then again, the job applicant’s skill profile is given due consideration during the hiring process. For instance, copywriting skills usually pay above the market average. Also, if you are proficient in data analysis, research analysis, and verbal communication, you can earn high pay packages. The salaries also vary depending on the industry, location, and job role.  Top Career Options in Journalism 1. Photojournalist Photojournalism is about interpreting and conveying events in a visual format, i.e. through photographs. A photojournalist’s job has elements of storytelling, technical photography, operating camera equipment, editing, and complying with legal requirements (for example, consent and privacy norms). Some understanding of print, digital publishing, and design also helps. Skills that are required from a photojournalist are- Photography Storytelling Creativity Keen eye Attention to detail Research skills Editing (Image and Video) Flexibility Networking Photojournalists bag a good compensation; on average, they earn ₹550,000lakhs per annum (Source). They need to keep polishing their skill sets, seek out more opportunities and build a vast portfolio in order to bag bigger opportunities. 2. Copywriter Copywriters can work for publications like newspapers, magazines, websites, and even online video production companies. As the name suggests, copywriting is about creating content, which may be in the form of news reports, articles, blogs, features, editorials, or video scripts.  Important skills required for a copywriter are mentioned below- Writing  Creativity Technical  Research  Communication  On average, a copywriter earns a salary of 4.2 LPA and the salary ranges from 2.0 LPA to 10.1 LPA (source). The salary could be higher contributed to various factors. 3. Editor  An editor makes sure that the content going out for public consumption is coherent, uniform, and in line with publication guidelines. They work with proofreaders to spot wrong spellings and grammatical errors, rewrite content for easy readability, and verify facts cited in the material.  The editor must be proficient with skills, such as- Grammar Proofreading Drafting Spelling Style of writing Vocabulary On average, an editor earns a salary of 4.0 LPA and the salary ranges from 1.5 LPA to 13.0 LPA (Source). The salary could be higher owed to various factors. 4. Media Researcher A Media Researcher’s work revolves around finding out background information and collecting factual data. They support the production departments of television, radio, and documentary films by filling out the details of show locations, contributors, etc. For some jobs, you may need specialized knowledge in a particular subject area. For instance, the researcher opening for an ‘emerging technologies’ program may list engineering or expertise in computer science as one of the required qualifications. Some of the skills required by the media researcher are- Research  Creative  Investigative Interviewing  Resourceful Idea generation IT  Visual thinking Written Communication  Interpersonal 5. PR Specialist As a public relations professional, you are concerned with maintaining and enhancing your client or company’s public persona. Your primary tasks would be to build a good brand image, handle crises, make press releases, organize press conferences, and so on.  Skills required by a PR specialist are- Communication Research Interpersonal  Social Media Organizational  Creativity Attention to detail 6. Social Media Manager In the current technology-led industry, a social media manager is an integral part of any marketing team. The role is about creating, executing, and managing brand promotions and campaigns across different online social networks, such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc. As a social media manager, you also monitor, moderate, and reply to audience comments and develop strategies for partnerships with other brands. Analyzing data and campaign results is the analytical component of this job. Some of the skills required from a social media manager are- Understanding the vision of the organization/ individual Social media understanding Technical skills Networking Creative Honesty  Patient Problem- solving Critical thinking On average, a social media manager earns a salary of 4.1 LPA and the salary ranges from 1.2 LPA to 10.5 LPA (Source).  With more skill sets, a number of projects, and a vast network the opportunities grow. 7. Broadcast Journalist This career path is perfect for those who want to produce broadcast-worthy stories, anchor news segments or develop content for television and digital outlets. There are opportunities to work both behind and in front of the camera. Some journalism students come up with novel ways of utilizing their training, such as collaborating with artists or studying emerging trends in digital broadcasting.  Some of the skills that are required from a broadcast journalist are mentioned below- Storytelling Research Investigative Language proficiency Knowledge of media production Communication The average salary of a broadcast journalist is 5.0 LPA and the salary ranges from 2.4 LPA to 12.0 LPA (Source). The salary procured could be higher owed to various contributing factors. 8. News Producer It is the responsibility of news producers to tie all the newscast elements, such as videos, graphics, voice-overs, live shots, etc., into a cohesive show. They oversee the reporters, director, field crew, photographers, and editors to ensure that the news production unit delivers a successful show with a good ‘flow’.  Some of the skills required from a news producer are mentioned below- Information gathering Resourcefulness Creativity Investigative Collaboration 9. News Presenter A presenter’s job is to communicate in a manner that holds the attention of the audience. Apart from having a good command of the language, speech, and diction, it is vital for a presenter to be calm and composed under stressful situations and demonstrate intelligence, especially where live shows are concerned. Special reports need to have thorough knowledge about their domain (politics, sports, crime, etc.) Some of the skills that are required from a news presenter are mentioned below- Communication skills General Knowledge Presentation skills Problem- Solving Patient 10. Critic Critics are experts who dish out their assessments or opinions on particular subject matters in which they have comprehensive knowledge and experience. They may write for a newspaper or magazine, host a television or radio show, or even disseminate their analysis in the form of podcasts or YouTube videos. Usually, critics cover social issues,  government policies, or creative works, including cinema, literature, music, art, fashion, and food, to name a few.  11. Cartoonist This is a highly creative vocation that involves the application of wit, humor, and art to illustrate and comment on current happenings in a satirical manner. Indian cartoonist R.K. Lakshman’s daily newspaper comic scripts are an excellent example of this kind of work. In the digital era, this concentration has taken many forms. Today, you can work as an online content creator, making digital comics for Instagram, or take a job as a graphic designer or animator with a marketing or design agency.  Some of the skills required from a cartoonist are- Artistic Creative Innovative Organizational Time management Collaboration Ability to accept criticism  12. Data Journalist Job roles in data journalism bring credibility and a dynamic personality to news coverage and reportage. A survey by Google News Lab and PolicyViz indicates that 51% of news organizations employ dedicated data journalists. Students and professionals trained in data science can contribute to creating compelling, data-driven articles, eliminating fake news.  Leading Journalism Courses to Pursue The minimum eligibility to qualify for the roles mentioned above is a 10+2 school certificate followed by a bachelor’s degree in journalism. Some may enter the field after completing postgraduate programs in marketing and communications. The key here is not to focus on the academic credentials but emphasize how the training and skills match with your professional goals. Employers tend to prefer candidates who are well-versed in industry tools and exhibit leadership acumen.  Advanced certifications and courses offer a great way of showcasing this prowess. Here is a list of online programs offered by leading institutions that you can consider to upskill and advance your career in journalism:  Master of Arts in Communication & Journalism (University of Mumbai) MBA (Global) with Specialisation in Digital Marketing (MICA & Deakin Business School) Conclusion To be successful in journalism, you must not only remain curious and inquisitive about the new developments but also make efforts toward building a professional network. So, opt for study options that provide opportunities to implement projects, interact with industry experts, and gain mentorship. With this, we hope to have brought you up to speed on how to build a career in journalism and mass communication. If you have any further insights beyond what we’ve shared, do let us know in the comments below!
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by Siddhant Khanvilkar

14 Sep 2022

PR Salary in India 2024 [For Freshers & Experienced]
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Given the rise in the digital sector, more and more people need PR to represent them and manage their reputation. A PR job role revolves around maintaining and managing the public profile of clients. As a PR professional, you have to effectively monitor publicity and research market trends to match the expectations of clients and drive productive results. With the expertise and skills of a PR, a business can form meaningful connections, sort concerns faster and more efficiently. For these reasons and more, PR is one of the highest-paid professions in India.  In this article, we will explore the roles and responsibilities of PR executives, skills required, the career options one can pursue, and PR salary in India. What Does a PR Specialist Do? A Public Relations specialist job includes offering customized services to the client that helps them develop a positive reputation with the public. A PR assesses their client’s requirement and develops the most appropriate plan to help them promote and protect their brand. Public relation specialists in India generally are self-employed who work for individuals or are a part of a firm where they are responsible for formulating strategies for multiple clients at a time. The job of PR revolves around promoting and protecting a business or individual. As a promoter, they make use of unpaid communication channels like blogs, social media and others. While as a protector, they help their clients maintain a good public reputation and defend them during crises. Let’s look at the various roles and responsibilities of a public relations executive: They are responsible for responding to press conferences or information release requests from designated spokespersons or the media. They are required to develop and maintain healthy relationships with the community, consumer, employees and public interest groups. They are responsible for writing press releases or media communication that helps promote the client. They take up planning and directing a program’s development to maintain favourable stakeholder and public views that help an organisation fulfil its agenda. They are responsible for teaching their client representatives about effective communication with employees and the public. They carry out studying the objectives of the organisation, the requirement to build public relation strategies and promotional policies which influences public opinion and promotes ideas, products and services. They are responsible for updating and maintaining quality web content as and when required. They connect with the managers to identify appropriate group interests and firms to provide advice on various business decisions. Scope of PR in India PR emerged as an industry in India during the nineties. Since then it has come far and wide to become one of the most rewarding and competitive careers in India. Although there is a huge requirement for PR, there is also a lack of qualified and skilled professionals. Therefore, there are lucrative opportunities for newcomers who have basic experience and polished skills. There are various agencies coming up every day offering PR jobs. These companies help groom the public profile of individuals or businesses and showcase them in a positive manner. PR Salary in India & Top PR careers PR salary varies greatly depending upon the level of experience, location, client and skill set. However, on average, the PR salary in India is ₹521 k /year. As a fresher, one needs to gather knowledge and experience with which their salary will increase over time. Higher salaries in the range of ₹1,029,126 are achievable by professionals with more than 10 years of experience in the industry. When working with firms job benefits include dental, vision, medical, etc. The job roles of PR professionals revolve around promoting and protecting the public image of a client. Based on both aspects, here are the top PR careers along with their average salaries. 1. Public Relations Specialist  Average Base Salary: ₹600k /year As a public relations expert, a professional needs to convince the media to write and print positive stories about their clients through press releases, press conferences, and other media channels. A PR can also be responsible for managing investor relations, online and local community relations, and even acting as a spokesperson. 2. Content Creation Average Base Salary: ₹287k /year Content creators are responsible for crafting positive stories about their brand, which the media relation experts pitch to the journalist.  3. Media Relations Average Base Salary: ₹497 k /year A media relation expert is responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with journalists so that they can pitch their brand stories to them and look for interview opportunities for their clientele. Furthermore, they are also responsible for keeping track of all their social, press, and blog placements and report their PR campaigns’ effectiveness. 4. Social Media Marketing  Average Base Salary: ₹393 k /year A social media expert is responsible for tracking and managing the image of a client on social media platforms. They use various social media listening tools to improve the public reputation of the company. They also interact with their social media followers, make various announcements on behalf of the company on social media, and find the right influencers to promote their brand. 5. Corporate Communications Average Base Salary: ₹676 k /year A financial communication expert is generally appointed in a public company where he is responsible for improving relationships with analysts and investors to improve their financial reputation. 6. Press Release/Spokesperson Average Base Salary: ₹429 k /year As a spokesperson, a PR professional is the face of the brand. Their job revolves around staying in public on behalf of the company during TV appearances, press conferences to respond to criticism. 7. Protective PR The protective aspect of a PR is smaller but is of great importance. There are two popular career paths you can pursue on this side of PR, which include: 1. Reputation Management Average Base Salary: ₹315 k /year A reputation manager is responsible for improving the client’s public image by monitoring brand sentiments on social media. With this information, the professionals identify the brand’s complaints and quickly solve them through social media and other online communication channels. 2. Crisis Management Average Base Salary: ₹274k /year The crisis manager is responsible for helping the client deal with major problems created due to human error or malicious intent. They reduce the company’s damage by releasing statements that take responsibility for the issue and spread awareness of the plan to solve the issue through owned and paid marketing channels. Also, they appoint an official spokesperson to respond to the criticism on behalf of the client. 8. Marketing Communications Manager Average Base Salary: ₹787 k /year The job of a marketing communications manager revolves around supervising brand marketing operations and implementing marketing campaigns that target brand awareness and customer retention. As the title suggests, they require good communication and interpersonal skills. They must also possess in-depth knowledge of business advertising and marketing concepts and must stay updated with the changing trends.  PR Skills Required A public relations specialist needs to have a superset of skills for deriving and managing the right strategies that help maintain the client’s public image. They must stay updated with the latest details and smart thinking ways because the client’s image entirely lies on their shoulder. With one wrong step, the client will get negative attention or worse lose the entire attention at all.  A PR works to efficiently deal with people inside and outside the company in an effective way to develop quality relationships. However, to be successful in the industry you must be a master in certain PR skills ranging from research to time management and international updates. Here are the top 7 essential public relation skills that one needs to master. 1. Research Skills A PR needs to have excellent research skills. As experts, they need to interact with different clients from various Industries. So, having adequate knowledge about their market and brand will help speed up the relation-building process. A good PR agent keeps up with the latest trends and updates of the marketing and advertising industry.  2. Communication Skills Good communication skills are the key to a successful career in PR. As a public relation expert, one must have strong communication and listening skills. Also, one needs to be a good public speaker. This is because as a professional, the PR needs to interact and deal with various people from different cultures speaking different languages across countries. 3. Creative Thinking A PR needs to think creatively as they come across images of opportunities that can help promote business and approach new clients.  The PR must-have new and creative ideas to succeed in their career. With a creative mind, they will grow and achieve the desired salary. 4. Writing skills Having great writing quality is essential for a PR to master their profession. A PR is expected to write contents like guest posts, press releases and other stuff for various clients across different industries. The candidates who have strong writing ability tend to be more successful in the industry. 5. Time management To be successful as a PR one needs to have excellent time management skills. Having this quality ensures the PR can efficiently deal with all their clients equally and complete the projects timely.  The industry requires them to master deadlines and prioritize tasks.  6. Social media skills To have a successful career as a PR one needs to have the ability to manage social media efficiently. A good PR not only knows which online portal to use during what situation but also has the ability to utilise those channels to their fullest potential. 7. International know-how A PR must have good knowledge of the international mind because they need to deal with different clients from a varying territory with different native languages. In some cases, they need to write content for the websites in different languages. A PR fluent in multiple languages is in great demand and has numerous job opportunities that bring him a high salary. The more language skills a PR will have the higher will be his success chances. Final Thoughts The world has become a competitive place, where every business enterprise and individual is striving to maintain a good public relation to achieve their goals. This is why the job outlook of PR in India will always increase. However, a PR job requires commitment towards upskilling and staying updated with the latest trends to excel in the industry. But the benefits and the perks one stands to gain overshadow the struggles endured. To land a good position as a PR in one of the best firms, you must pursue higher education to gain experience and knowledge. You can take up a certification course or pursue a postgraduate degree to achieve your career goals. If you wish to learn more about PR, check out the Master of Arts in Public Relations you can pursue through upGrad from the University of Mumbai. Offered in three languages, it is a 2-year UGC Recognised course with in-built internship programs to help you learn new-age digital media skills.
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by Siddhant Khanvilkar

31 Aug 2022

Highest Paying PR Jobs in India in 2024 [Average to Highest]
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Jobs in the field of Public Relations can be pretty lucrative. Even small businesses are now investing in new and innovative ways to reach their customers to keep up with the competitive industry. This is where the need for PR specialists arises. As professionals with an integral role in creating brand awareness, they help organisations connect better with clients. The demand for public relations specialists has witnessed a steep rise in the last two decades. As per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment growth of 7% is expected by 2029, with an estimated 19,700 new job opportunities to be created in the sector. The need for organisations to maintain their public image will continue to drive employment growth. With PR specialists earning $61,150 per year or $29.40 per hour on average, it is one of the more lucrative professions to pursue today. As organisations continue to invest in their public image, PR skills will command even higher salaries and drive employment growth.  In this article, we will discuss some of the highest paying PR jobs in India.  Advantages of PR jobs  Apart from being white collar and high profile, the highest paying PR jobs also have a wide range of advantages that make these jobs highly coveted. These include: 1. Perennial Demand As long as businesses are thriving, there will be a demand for PR professionals. While big business houses prefer people with experience, small and upcoming businesses would be happy to work with freshers too. It means everyone in the industry has an opportunity to make a mark for themselves. Due to the high demand, several independent PR agencies work on a project basis with multiple clients.  2. Opportunities in Multiple Domains and Industries The highest paying PR jobs are not related to any single field or industry. There are opportunities in all areas. Fashion, textile, IT, medical, banking, insurance, and the list goes on. Not many professions offer the kind of exposure PR does. There are plenty of interests to choose from to create a niche for yourself and face new challenges with every project you work on. 3. Inspires Creativity and Innovation There are no set standards or work profiles for a PR professional. The best and the highest paying PR jobs in India are always looking out for creative people who can think out of the box and put technology to the best use. You get to decide how you want your marketing campaign to be, what needs to be disclosed to the outside world, etc. What is more, you get to work with top officials and go places too.  4. Faster Career Growth If you have the calibre and zeal to work hard, you can make it big in a short time. Unlike other professions, the number of designations or positions in the PR hierarchy is limited. It means you get to grow and progress in your career at a much faster pace as compared to other sectors.  5. Stepping Stone to Entrepreneurship As a PR professional, you will have a better understanding of company policies, marketing plans, and a business’s underlying principles. Your work takes you places, and you get to mingle with all the important people as well. These insights and contacts can be beneficial if you plan to start something of your own, maybe even start your consulting/PR agency at a later stage.  Highest Paying PR jobs in India After completing your graduation or post-graduation in Public Relations, several fruitful and highly rewarding career options will be available to you. These include: 1. Public Relations and Fundraising Manager (Average Base Salary: ₹ 6,80,000/year) As a public relations manager, you will be required to promote the organisation’s brand or image. It is possible through paid media campaigns, press releases, promotional content, and more. A PR professional will also have additional tasks to present the company details to prospective clients or stakeholders and get the go-ahead for funding. It also involves connecting with prospective investors or tapping a new audience base to meet fundraising goals.  2. Advertising and Marketing Manager (Average Base Salary: ₹ 4,88,730 /year) Advertising and marketing managers are people who specialise in the area of promotional content. They decide on the number of ads and media campaigns a company will run and the nature of these ads. They are responsible for making marketing decisions, taking ownership of creating an image for the company or brand, and improving profit margins.  3. PR Executives (Average Base Salary: ₹ 2,70,421 /year) PR executives can take up a variety of roles in different industries. They are the people who help and support leaders and top officials at a company. Their role is similar to that of a personal assistant. They arrange and lead the meetings, discussions, and campaigns for leaders. They are responsible for internal and external communication, discussing contracts, implementing budgets, and other financial records.  4. Sales and Marketing Representatives (Average Base Salary: ₹ 2,41,458 /year) PR positions in sales and marketing mainly involve discussions around a particular product. They may be required to interact with the clients directly, explaining the benefits or USP of the products. They are also expected to answer all the queries or concerns the clients may have regarding the product. Negotiating the prices, giving product demos, preparing sales reports, and increasing sales are a few responsibilities included in this work profile.  5. Public Relation Specialist (Average Base Salary: ₹ 6,00,000 /year) A public relation specialist is someone specialising in public interactions for the company. It can include conducting press conferences, press releases, public launches, and more for the client. They also keep an eye on social media and other sources to understand the public interest in the company brand or product. 6. Event Planner (Average Base Salary: ₹ 3,95,264 /year) Just as the name suggests, an event planner is a person who takes end-to-end responsibility for conducting an event. This includes planning the scope, resources, performing the necessary research, gathering people, creating awareness about the event, and finally organising it. An event planner’s career progression would be to a public relation specialist or marketing managers as per your choice or interest.  7. Journalist (Average Base Salary: ₹ 3,86,014 /year) After completing a course in public relations or mass communication, you can also choose to go into journalism. As a journalist, you will be collecting the details about the latest happenings, events, and news in your area. This job can take you places and help you widen your professional network. As per your interest, you should be able to choose a travelling or stationary work profile.  8. Editor (Average Base Salary: ₹ 4,01,173 /year) Another job profile to pick up after your course in public relations would be that of an editor. If you have a passion for writing and editing, this is ideal for you. As an editor for a company or publication, you will be responsible for proofreading the content that goes out to the media, filter the content, and ensure only the best quality write-ups reach the public or prospective clients.  Read: Highest Paid Jobs in India  9. Social Media Manager (Average Base Salary: ₹ 3,24,828 /year) Social media are the hotspots for marketing today. This includes paid ad campaigns on Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, and more. Each ad is targeted at a particular user group. As a social media manager, you will be responsible for selecting these ads, how long they run, the budget for these ads and more. You will also be required to engage with the audience with frequent updates on the social media handles, answering queries, and responding to the questions as applicable.  10. Account Manager (Average Base Salary: ₹ 5,85,472 /year) PR jobs involve end-to-end business management, client relations, discussion with new clients, proposals, and more. These duties are similar to an account manager’s role, who handles the complete deliverables for an account. Account managers track the work being done internally within your organisation and work closely with the client, giving them regular updates and ensuring things are on track.  Final Thoughts Careers in media, publications, communication and public relations are all inter-related. There are several work profiles and career advancement opportunities in these sectors that offer lucrative perks for people who are creative, outgoing and have a passion for learning new things. A career in public relations would mean you need to constantly upgrade yourself and be abreast of the latest changes in your domain. You are also expected to be tech-savvy with the ability to leverage tools and technologies to enhance your performance.  Whether you are a fresher or an experienced professional,  it is a good idea to acquire a Master of Arts in Public Relations to have a shot at a much more comprehensive range of job opportunities in the market. You can pursue this 2-year online program from the University of Mumbai through upGrad, which includes a 6-month inbuilt internship. The course is available both in English and Marathi and has helped students earn a 57% hike in their salaries! 
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by Siddhant Khanvilkar

26 May 2022

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