Importance of Internships in Journalism

Internships play an important role in a student's life when looking for a career in Journalism. Internships help students get hands on experience of the theoretical knowledge they have learnt. Check out this article to learn more about a journalism internship and its importance. Get a list of the top courses to get an internship in journalism. Also, find out the internship opportunities in journalism.

Importance of Internships in Journalism

Journalism in mass communication and media is the art of collecting and analyzing news or a piece of information, and presenting it to the public. The information is delivered through different platforms such as radio, TV, newspapers, or any other digital media platform. Journalism is the backbone of democracy. It keeps people informed, brings out the truth, and holds those in power accountable. 

Students wanting to build a career in journalism can pursue courses such as a Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication (BJMC), BA in Journalism, Master of Journalism and Mass Communication (MJMC), or a PG Diploma in Journalism. With journalism, students can build a career in different areas, including broadcast journalism, investigative journalism, sports journalism, and digital media.

Check Out: Journalism Career Scope

Internships in Journalism

Having the theoretical knowledge about journalism is not enough to make a career. One needs to have experience with real life situations. For this, an internship in journalism is the perfect solution. Internships help students know how things work in a real newsroom and how news is gathered, edited, and presented. Whether working for a newspaper, TV channel, or digital platform, interns get a firsthand experience of meeting tight deadlines, handling breaking news, and conducting interviews.

Importance of Internships in Journalism

Doing an internship before getting a job in journalism is important for the reasons mentioned here.

1. First of all, a journalism internship can give practical exposure to students. They can work in a professional news environment and learn how the news production process works in real life. They also get to learn how to research, interview sources, pitch story ideas, and write an engaging news report.

2. To be a good journalist, knowing how to write a compelling story is not the only skill required. One must have the skills to research, fact-check, edit, and present. With an internship in journalism, students can develop their skills. To help interns with this, the employers usually let them assist in video production, edit articles, or manage social media content.

3. Working with media industry ethics is important to become a good journalist. With internships, students can learn the importance of responsible reporting and media laws & ethics. The mentors teach interns how to verify their sources and remain neutral.

4.  Internship not only helps students gain experience, but it also helps them build a strong industry network. During internships, the interns can interact and connect with experienced editors, journalists, and media professionals. It can help them get mentorship, career guidance, and job referrals.

5. Internships can help get a good job in journalism. Also, big companies and media houses usually prefer candidates who have already done internships. It is because someone with initial experience through an internship can work better than someone with no practical experience.

Steps to Secure a Journalism Internship

Finding an internship is not easy in this competitive world. Students have to carefully present their skills and must do well in the interview to gain an internship opportunity. Here are some steps to get an internship in journalism.

1. Create a Portfolio: Gather your articles, blog posts, or video content and make a creative portfolio.
2. Do Freelance Work: Write or work for college publications or companies for initial experience.
3. Build Network: Attend journalism seminars, workshops, and media events and make connections.
4. Apply for Jobs: Look for journalism internships in newspapers, TV channels, online media platforms, and PR agencies.

Journalism Courses: UG, Diploma, PG, Certificate

Check out the list of top courses a candidate can pursue for an internship in Journalism.

Internship Options in Journalism

After completing journalism courses, students can get an internship in these fields.

Read More:

• Scope of Mass Communication in India
• Scope of Journalism in India
• Journalism Courses after 10th
• Journalism Courses After 12th
• Career Guidance for Journalists