How to Make a Career in Journalism in 2025

A career in journalism in 2025 goes beyond writing. It requires adaptability to digital platforms like news websites, social media, and podcasts. Journalists today must embrace multimedia storytelling, including video production, digital marketing, and content creation to connect with a wider audience. The shift from traditional to different types of digital content opens new career paths in investigative journalism, digital reporting, and multimedia journalism. 

In this blog, we’ll explore the skills, education, and job opportunities needed to succeed in the evolving world of journalism.      

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Why Choose a Career in Journalism?

Journalism continues to grow as a sought-after career for students and professionals, driven by both the attractive journalism and mass communication salary packages and the significant role it plays in society. As the "fourth pillar of democracy," journalism is about gathering and disseminating accurate, impartial information, shaping public opinion, and reflecting on current events. While the profession offers financial rewards, it’s also about making a meaningful impact, educating the public, and holding power to account, all of which make it a fulfilling career path.

Here are some key reasons to pursue a career in journalism:

• Well-Paying Occupation: Journalism is a highly rewarding profession, offering competitive salaries, career growth, and global opportunities.
• Empowering People: Journalists provide crucial information, empower the public with knowledge, and contribute to positive social change.
• Storytelling and Communication: The ability to communicate complex ideas in clear, engaging formats is a valuable skill in journalism.
• Critical Thinking and Life Skills: Journalism helps develop analytical, problem-solving, and collaboration skills, which are essential for personal and professional growth.
• Diverse Skill Set: Journalism nurtures a wide range of skills, including research, writing, digital content creation, and public speaking, which are transferable to other sectors.

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While passion drives many into journalism, understanding the earning potential is just as important before taking the plunge.

How Much Do Journalists Make in India?

The starting salary for a beginner journalist in India typically ranges from INR 1.5 lakh to 2.5 lakh annually. Here’s a look at the average salaries for journalists in India based on experience level, giving you an idea of the earning potential as you build your career in this dynamic field.   

Source: Payscale

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Once you know what to expect in terms of salary, it’s important to understand the qualifications needed to enter the field.

Eligibility Criteria to Build a Career in Journalism

Building a career in journalism requires a mix of academic qualifications, skills, and experience. Whether you are pursuing journalism as a career right after school or transitioning from another field, understanding the eligibility criteria is essential for getting started. Here's a breakdown of the major requirements:

1. Educational Qualifications:

A bachelor’s degree in journalism or mass communication is generally the primary educational qualification for aspiring journalists. Many universities and colleges offer undergraduate degrees such as:

• Bachelor of Journalism (BJ) or Bachelor of Mass Communication (BMC)
• Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Journalism and Mass Communication

Alternative Paths:
While degrees in journalism are common, other related fields like English, political science, or international relations can also be beneficial. These subjects often provide a broad knowledge base, which can be useful for investigative journalism, political reporting, or international news.

Postgraduate Options:
Many professionals further specialize by obtaining a Master's in Journalism, Mass Communication, or Media Studies to open more career opportunities in fields like broadcast journalism, public relations, and media management.

2. Skills Required:

Journalism demands a wide range of skills, both technical and interpersonal, to be effective in the industry. Key skills include:

• Strong Writing & Editing Skills: The ability to write clearly, concisely, and persuasively is crucial. Journalists must be adept at crafting compelling stories, editing their work, and adhering to journalistic standards.
• Research Skills: Journalists must know how to find and verify sources, check facts, and dig deeper into stories to uncover information that might be overlooked.
• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Journalism is all about telling a story, which requires excellent communication skills, both verbal and written. Additionally, the ability to build rapport with interviewees is essential.
• Technical Skills: Familiarity with multimedia tools, SEO techniques, and social media is increasingly important, especially with the rise of digital and online journalism.
• Attention to Detail: Journalists must be able to spot inconsistencies, verify facts, and ensure accuracy in their reporting.

3. Internships and Work Experience:

Practical experience is a critical element in starting a career in journalism. Internships at newspapers, magazines, news websites, or TV stations provide exposure to real-world journalism work. Internships help students build a portfolio, get their foot in the door, and make valuable industry connections.

Work Experience:
Starting out as a trainee reporter, junior writer, or editorial assistant allows aspiring journalists to gain practical skills and eventually move on to senior roles like reporters, editors, or columnists.

Also read: How to Become a Content Writer in 2025

4. Certifications and Training:

For those looking to specialize in specific areas of journalism, such as investigative reporting or digital media, specialized certifications can be helpful. These may include courses in data journalism, broadcast journalism, and multimedia storytelling.

Attending workshops or completing media-related training programs can provide practical knowledge, hands-on experience, and exposure to industry trends.

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5. Age and Experience:

Generally, there is no age limit for entering the field of journalism. However, it is common for individuals to enter the profession after completing their higher secondary education or undergraduate degree (18-22 years old). Gaining experience through internships or working with smaller media outlets can significantly help in securing a job at larger news organizations.

6. Passion for Storytelling:

Beyond qualifications and skills, one of the most critical aspects of a successful career in journalism is passion. A natural curiosity, a keen interest in current events, and a passion for storytelling are key drivers that push many into the profession. Journalists often work under tight deadlines and in challenging situations, making enthusiasm for the craft essential.

7. Specialized Journalism Areas:

Journalism is a vast field, and it’s important to know where your interests lie. Aspiring journalists can choose from various specializations, including:

• Broadcast Journalism: For those interested in working in TV and radio news.
• Digital Journalism: For those passionate about online platforms, blogs, and multimedia.
• Investigative Journalism: Focusing on in-depth reporting and uncovering hidden stories.
• Photojournalism: Capturing visual stories and contributing to media outlets with impactful images.
• Sports Journalism: Reporting on sports events and news.
• Political Journalism: Reporting on political events and government-related issues.

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Meeting the eligibility criteria is just the first step—developing the right skills is what truly sets successful journalists apart.

Essential Skills for a Successful Career in Journalism

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:

1. Writing and Editing Skills

Writing and editing skills are essential in a career in journalism, particularly for producing well-crafted, error-free content. Journalists must communicate ideas clearly, ensuring the audience is informed and engaged. Editing adds balance by refining the raw content, making sure it remains impartial and fact-based. A well-edited story ensures that information is presented in a neutral way, without any bias, to maintain credibility.

• Journalists must focus on writing without grammatical errors.
• Editing ensures that the story is coherent and factual.
• Good writing attracts and retains the audience's attention.

Editing ensures clarity, eliminating unnecessary information.

2. Attention to Detail and Research Aptitude

In a career in journalism, accuracy is paramount, and detailed research forms the backbone of any story. A journalist must thoroughly understand a topic before presenting it. In-depth research ensures that information is credible, and the story stays factual. Furthermore, primary sources help eliminate errors and improve transparency, adding to the authenticity of the work.

• Extensive research is key for reporting factual content.
• Interviews and surveys can help gather critical insights.
• Details from reliable sources are the foundation for good journalism.
• Good research helps ensure objectivity and transparency.

3. Interviewing Skills

Interviewing is a critical skill in a career in journalism. Journalists must ask relevant questions to gather pertinent information. A good journalist knows how to build rapport and put interviewees at ease, allowing them to provide honest and insightful responses. Effective communication and listening skills help journalists gain valuable perspectives while maintaining the focus of the conversation.

• Preparation is key to asking meaningful questions.
• Rapport building helps the interviewee feel comfortable.
• Active listening ensures you capture essential details.
• Non-verbal communication plays an important role in successful interviews.

Also read: How to Improve Listening Skills? Top 6 Tips to Immediately Improve Your Listening 

4. Digital Literacy

In a career in journalism, digital and technology literacy is crucial, as most modern journalism is intertwined with technology. Journalists must be proficient in digital tools to create content across different mediums, including written articles, videos, and social media posts. With digital platforms enabling faster dissemination of information, it is vital for journalists to use these tools to effectively engage their audience and stay relevant.

• Journalists must be proficient in multimedia content creation.
• Social media tools help amplify the reach of content.
• Digital platforms offer a quick way to engage with audiences.
• Journalists should understand SEO and digital marketing basics.

5. Production Knowledge

Career in journalism also requires a strong understanding of production, from gathering information to presenting it in a reliable, trustworthy manner. A journalist must know how to use various media formats, print, audio, visual, to communicate the news effectively. Mastery of production tools ensures that content is well-produced and can be easily understood by the audience.

• Knowledge of both written and visual media is crucial.
• Understanding technical tools enhances content creation.
• Editing and post-production skills are necessary for polished output.
• Multi-format content boosts engagement across platforms.

6. Communication Skills

Effective communication is the cornerstone of a career in journalism. Journalists need to convey complex information in a clear, concise manner, ensuring that their message reaches a broad audience. Strong interpersonal skills are also necessary, as journalists often engage with a wide range of people, from experts to the general public, to gather valuable information.

• Clarity and brevity are essential for good journalism.
• Tone and delivery help maintain audience engagement.
• Interpersonal skills are vital when interacting with sources.
• Non-verbal cues can support or detract from the message.

7. Objectivity and Logical Reasoning

A key aspect of a career in journalism is the ability to present stories objectively. Journalists must use logical reasoning to break down complex topics and present them in an easy-to-understand manner. This objectivity ensures that content remains credible and unbiased, and logical reasoning helps provide context to a story, which is vital for audience understanding.

• Objectivity is critical for maintaining trust with the audience.
• Logical reasoning aids in simplifying complex topics.
• Case studies and examples help clarify arguments.
• Presenting multiple viewpoints adds depth to the story.

8. Time Management

In career in journalism, time management is essential for meeting deadlines and ensuring that stories are delivered promptly. Journalists often work under tight deadlines, so being able to multitask, prioritize tasks, and work efficiently is vital. Time management ensures that news stories are reported in real-time, keeping the audience updated with the latest information.

• Multitasking allows journalists to work on multiple stories simultaneously.
• Prioritizing stories ensures deadlines are met.
• Efficient time management enhances productivity.
• Meeting deadlines ensures timely delivery of news.

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Also read: 11 Effective Ways to Improve Writing Skills and Their Importance in 2025

Now that we've explored the essential skills for journalists, let's see how upGrad can help in your learning journey.

Kickstart Your Career in Journalism with upGrad

To succeed in journalism in 2024, focus on digital reporting, multimedia storytelling, and social media. Build a strong portfolio, gain experience through internships or freelance work, and specialize in a niche like investigative or data journalism. 

If you're passionate about storytelling and want to hone the skills required for modern media, upGrad provides excellent programs to help you build a successful journalism career and gain industry-relevant expertise.

To further strengthen your communication and leadership skills, you can also explore these courses:

• Mastering the Art of Effective Communication
• Effective Business Communication
• Business Communication Masterclass
• Time and Productivity Management Techniques

Looking to build a successful career in journalism in 2024? 

Connect with upGrad’s counselors or visit your nearest upGrad offline center for personalized guidance on refining your journalism skills and kickstarting your career in this dynamic field!

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