Print Media

An essential tool of mass communication, newspapers, magazines, dailies, weeklies, and journals, and other forms of published material all constitute print media. Along with broadcast media like radio, TV, etc, it forms the basis of mass communication. As you may already be aware, the media industry is open to individuals coming from diverse backgrounds and this has also contributed to the growth of novel opportunities of a career in Digital Media, Broadcast Media, Advertising Media along with Multimedia and Animation as well as the emergence of vibrant avenues in sciences communication, health communication, and documentary media, amongst others. Here are the top career pathways you must explore.

What is Print Media?

Print media is any written or published information required for communication. It is produced mechanically or electrically using printing, photocopying, or digital processes, and multiple copies can be made. The best examples of print media are magazines, journals, newspapers, brochures, pamphlets, etc. Printing technology is more than just spreading the news to the public. It is also used for other activities such as advertising, story writing, criticism, entertainment, etc. They also include information, interviews, and the latest developments about the film industry, leading to the entertainment area of ​​the public.

List of Career Options in Print Media

From news to advertising, from public relations to corporate communications, the media industry provides students with exciting career opportunities, including: 

• Reporter/Correspondent/Journalist
• Creative Writer/Editor 
• Cartoonist/Illustrator 
• Communications Manager 
• Author 
• Digital Services Specialist
• Graphic Technician
• Marketing Specialist
• Publishing Manager
• Production Specialist
• Digital Press Artist
• Print Production Manager
• Publishing Coordinator

Reporter/Correspondent/Journalist

Considered the most respected yet challenging job in print media, the job of a journalist is to be in the eye of the storm and cover with utmost honesty the true nature of events. Particularly, in print media, his/her reportage is published in the form of news reports, investigative analysis pieces, etc. While one can start a journalism career at any stage, a growing number of individuals are choosing to go for a Bachelor Of Journalism or, for that matter, an MA in Journalism as well in order to gain an in-depth understanding of the mechanics of various types of Mass Media and reporting techniques. 

Creative Writer/ Editor

Newspapers and magazine publications are continuously on the lookout for writers and editors who have the knack for creative article writing along with marketing, advertising, etc. While the offline readership has no doubt, decreased, experience gained in creative positions at such agencies paves the way for working in a range of industries including but not limited to film and entertainment, publishing, and media production. Opportunities in research and academic positions are also quite rewarding.

Cartoonist/Illustrator

The specific niche of cartoon making in print media and illustrating is one of the most difficult yet highly rewarding. From newly published dailies to accomplished magazines like The Economist afford great value to industrious cartoons that depict current events, in a plain but striking manner. Be it political or not, beginning a career as a cartoonist might be rough going at the outset, if you keep your hand at the drawing board for a sufficient amount of time, you might just become the next R.K. Laxman! 

Communications Manager

Primarily a back-end job, a communications manager is the lifeline of a publishing outlet. From handling negotiation with authors to ensuring the profitable running of the outlet, such professionals are de facto in charge of handling all the behind-the-scenes operations. Being a senior-level job requires a significant number of experience working in a similar environment along with advanced level brand management, marketing, and promotion knowledge. Further, having excellent communication skills is a requisite to build a successful career in this profile. 

Author

Last but surely not least, you can always tell your own experience in the form of a book. Many writers including the stellar names of Gabriel Garcia Marquez, George Orwell, Ernest Hemingway, Truman Capote, and Stephen King all started their careers in print media and then shifted towards writing. What’s more, there is no age or background required to become an author!

Apart from the aforementioned work profiles, there are scores of other employment options which have been listed below: 

• Digital Services Specialist
• Graphic Technician
• Marketing Specialist
• Publishing Manager
• Production Specialist
• Digital Press Artist
• Print Production Manager
• Publishing Coordinator

Eligibility Criteria 

The eligibility criteria for undergraduate, graduate and diploma/certificate degrees in Print Media are divided into three sections. Let’s take a look at educational qualifications in complete detail and the documents required at the time of filling up of applications for the universities abroad: 

Educational Qualifications

Undergraduate: For undergraduate print media courses, aspirants must have passed 10+2 from a recognized university/college. They should have scored a minimum of 60% aggregate. Students of any stream are eligible to apply. 

Postgraduate: For postgraduate print media courses, candidates must have done relevant graduate studies to be eligible for the master’s program. There is no particular stream and candidates have to sit in the entrance test for pursuing his/her postgraduation. 

Diploma/Certificate: The candidate must have passed class 12th from a recognized board. Candidates from any stream can apply. 

Documents Required

Apart from being eligible for the Print Media courses, consider the following necessary documents to be submitted to the desired university abroad: 

• Official academic transcripts
• Scanned copy of passport
• CV/ Resume
• Letter of Recommendation
• English language proficiency test scores; IELTS – Minimum 6.5
• SAT score
• Statement of Purpose
• Two Reference Letters
• Postgraduate applicants have to submit a translation of the degree certificate in case the degree certificate is in another language other than English

Top Courses for Print Media

Below are the most popular courses of UG & PG in Print Media: 

Undergraduate 

• Bachelor of Arts in Print Media
• Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication
• Bachelor of Science in Print Media
• Bachelor of Mass Media 

Postgraduate 

• Master of Arts in Print Media
• Master of Science in Print Media
• MBA/PGDM in Print Media 
• Master in Journalism and Mass Communication

Top Universities Around the World for Print Media

Print media forms an integral part of Mass Communication courses along with advanced degree programs such as MBA in Media Management and Masters in Journalism. Here are a few of the universities around the world which either offer a full-fledged course or as part of its study curriculum on print media: 

• University of Amsterdam, Netherlands
• The University of California, Berkeley, USA
• The University of Sydney, Australia
• University of Southern California, USA
• The Ohio State University, USA
• The University of Toronto, Canada 
• Rochester Institute of Technology, USA 
• Dublin Institute of Technology, UK
• Stanford University 
• Goldsmiths, University of London
• University of Pennsylvania
• The University of Texas at Austin 
• University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA 
• Columbia University, USA

Top Colleges in India for Print Media

Do you know? Rajat Sharma is one of the youngest editors in India for Print Media. He started with a very famous program called ‘Aap ki Adalat’ he has founded a TV news Channel called India TV. Below are some of the famous colleges/universities that enables aspirants to start their career in Print Media: 

• Indian Institute of Mass Communication, New Delhi
• Asian College of Journalism, Chennai
• Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 
• Amity School of Journalism and Communication, New Delhi
• Manipal Institute of Communication, Manipal
• Times of India School of Journalism, Mumbai 
• Symbiosis International University, Pune 
• Indian Institute of Journalism and New Media, Bangalore 
• St. Xavier’s Institute of Communication, Mumbai 
• Pioneer Media School, New Delhi

The very beauty of working for newspapers or other print media forms is that the more diverse your education, experiences, and skillsets, the more opportunities you can explore. If you feel this is what you want to do, take assistance from Leverage Edu’s team of experts in a free 30 minutes counseling session and learn how you can build a successful career in media!