Bring
out the journalist in you
If you feel that journalism is where your talents lie
then this is for you. Ishani Ranasinghe looks into some of the basics
in this field
Interested in being a journalist?
Wondering if newspapers might have something to offer? You’re
in school or just left school and thinking about a career in newspapers?
Fantastic! The pace, the something-new-every day business, seems
pretty cool, but how do you get there?
The
area
Journalism is not just a job; it’s more of a vocation.
When you write to a newspaper while keeping people informed, you
also immediately become the voice of the people.
For
starters, you know that newspapers offer a lot more than just writing
and photography. And there’s something to be said for working
with creative ideas, while working for one’s community. Of
course you have to like the idea of meeting deadlines and challenges
every day…it’s difficult and satisfying at the same
time.
What
type of person
you need to be
Having a flair for creative writing is not the only thing
that comes into play when you are a journalist. It’s also
important that you have certain qualities within you to be a good
journalist. Something you need to have is a clear sense of right
and wrong. You should also be a dynamic person who is able to talk
to people and empathise with them.
Take
a look at any newspaper, and you’ll read stories about science,
health, government and business. Thus, a good journalist needs to
have a working knowledge of all these areas, and not just writing.
More and more, newspapers look for people who have a well-rounded
education. Having a second language will become increasingly important.
Read
newspapers and magazines. People who do not read print journalism
are not likely to work in it. Read good books. Your whole life long,
good writing will be the raw material of your own good writing.
Taking the first step
1. Sri Lanka Foundation Institute – Diploma in Journalism
and
Communication
In existence for seven years this is a one-year diploma where you
will receive a solid grounding in both the theoretical and practical
aspects of each medium. Divided into two semesters, the first semester
of six months contain the core curriculum. This is the compulsory
segment of the curriculum – which aims to give an overview
of the five media disciplines: print journalism, radio journalism,
TV journalism, advertising and public relations.
The
second semester – the elective curriculum will begin with
the students selecting the subjects they wish to specialise in.
This semester will feature lectures, practicals and assignments
that require you to translate theory into practice. An internship
will follow enabling you to get “hands on” experience.
Qualifications
Required:
You have to have passed your GCE Advanced Level examination
or an equivalent examination and a good standard in English. You
will also have to sit for an entrance examination which will test
your standards in English and general knowledge.
2.
College of Journalism
– Diploma in Journalism
Conducted by the Sri Lanka Press Institute this is a one-year
programme where you will receive basic training in journalism. Divided
into three semesters, each of which is 13 weeks long, the first
two semesters end with a three-week internship.
The
curriculum covers the role of a journalist, the social impact, interviewing
techniques, sub editing, etc. Apart from this, students are also
given an insight into the history of Sri Lanka, the political situation
– everything that helps them to learn the context in which
they will be operating as journalists.
Qualifications
Required:
You have to have passed your GCE Advanced Level Examination
or an equivalent examination and have a good standard in English.
You will also have to sit for an entrance examination that will
test your standards in English and general knowledge. Thereafter
you will be called for an interview, where you will need to discuss
the reasons behind you wanting to study journalism.
Want
to broaden your world? Then jump at this opportunity to learn about
people and places. |
