Is it important to have a degree in mass communication to become a reporter?

manpreet Best Answer 2 years ago

It is important to have a degree in journalism to be a good journalist. But, we have many cases where journalists have come from other subject streams like Literature, management, Law and visual arts. But, a good Journalism and Mass Communication allows you to get a bandwidth to specialize and be more employable and a better storyteller, if the university you come from is well known and pedagogy practice based.

manpreet 2 years ago

Reporters are people that no media organisation can do without. When you think of reporter what comes in your mind? Someone who has command over language, quick to respond, confident, knowledgeable and most importantly curiosity resides in him/her. If you possess these qualities, reporting can be your thing. A degree in journalism would help you prepare for this field but not necessarily it is that important. It acts as a gateway for your career but even a degree can't be a guarantee to it as any other field. In fact, so many reporters out there have done there qualification from other subjects. The work you do makes the pavement for a successful career. Networking is very important part of reporting. In short, if you are up for any challenge and your reports are impactful than media houses will be more than happy to work with you.

manpreet 2 years ago

No, not really and I don't recommend doing that unless you are interested in continuing on as an academic some day and teaching. You should get a degree - in truth, it can be in journalism, mass communications or something entirely unrelated. Then you should get a job as a journalist at some news outlet - print, broadcast or online. Employers value experience as a newsman much more than graduate degrees in journalism or related fields. That's because, when you apply for your next job, potential employers will be able to see samples of your work. They'll also know that you must have performed at least at an acceptable level in your first job. You see journalists around. Not everyone has their degrees in mass communication and journalism. In this field, it is important you have the talent. But prefer to have a degree so that no pointers will degrade you. Never say never for knowledge. So get a degree and become a successful reporter.