Kickstart Your Career in Journalism: A Step-by-Step Guide After Graduation

You just graduated. The celebration was fun. The pictures are posted. But now what?

If you love to ask questions, put the pen to paper, enjoy the writing process, and have a knack for knowing what is happening in the world, a career in media is a perfect fit for you. Specifically, Journalism could be the go-to option for you.

Where to start? This guide will hold your hand and show you simple steps to get started in the world of news, storytelling, and reporting.

Step 1: Ask Yourself Why

Before jumping into the field, pause and ask yourself this simple question:

1. Why do I want to be a journalist?

2. Is it the desire to uncover truths?

3. Give a voice to the unheard stories? Or do you enjoy the art of storytelling and using it to inform and educate people?

If you have your “why” figured out, the whole journey will be a lot easier and will keep you focused.

Step 2: Explore the Field

There is a bit of a stereotype about Journalism. Many people assume Journalism is only the reporting we see on news channels, but that is merely the tip of the iceberg.

There is print journalism, where you write for magazines and newspapers; digital journalism, which includes writing for websites and apps; broadcast journalism, which includes Radio or TV; and Photo Journalism, documentaries, and also the latest addition, podcasts.

A simple way to understand what you enjoy the most is to spend time understanding the different types of journalism. Each one of these has its personality.

Step 3: Build the Basics

Becoming a journalist demands a few core skills:

• Writing clearly and quickly

• Researching facts and verifying them

• Asking the right questions

• Understanding your audience

• Staying updated with current events

The best part is that these skills can be developed. Start small. Write blog posts. Follow the news daily. Read long-form articles. Try interviewing someone and writing their story in your words.

It all counts.

Step 4: Find the Journalism Course

While some people start working right after college, many choose to take up a journalism program to sharpen their skills.

A structured course can teach you the basics of reporting, writing, editing, media laws, ethics, and more. Plus, you’ll get a chance to practice through assignments and real projects.

There are some excellent journalism colleges in Mumbai that offer practical, hands-on learning and strong industry exposure. Being in Mumbai also puts you close to newsrooms, media houses, and a buzzing network of professionals.

Step 5: Choose a Good Learning Environment

It’s not just about the course — it’s also about where you study.

Pick a college or an institute that has good faculty, industry relevant curriculum, and opportunities to gain practical exposure in the industry which helps you experience how newsrooms work.

Some places also have guest lectures, industry projects, and placement support. All of this adds to your learning.

If you're looking for a journalism course that balances theory with real-world exposure, do your research well and speak to the alumnis if you can. Firsthand insights are always helpful.

Step 6: Start Writing and Sharing

While you’re learning, keep creating

.

Write for your college magazine. Start a blog. Try video stories. Use platforms like Medium or LinkedIn to share your thoughts. Build a small portfolio of your work. This shows your interest and helps future employers or editors see what you can do.

You don’t need to worry about perfection. It just needs to be honest and clear. With time, you’ll get better.

Step 7: Intern, Volunteer, Participate

Experience is everything. Try to work at local printing presses, digital news platforms, radio stations, TV channels, or even student-led publications. You’ll learn the ropes—how newsrooms operate, the art of gathering accurate information, interviewing skills, writing under pressure, editing, and meeting deadlines.

 Attend workshops or seminars on reporting, media ethics, and multimedia storytelling. Volunteer for college fests, help with event coverage, or contribute to podcasts and video projects. Join debates, public speaking, or writing clubs. Every little experience adds to your skill set and builds your confidence.

Step 8: Stay Curious and Updated

Good journalists are always learning.

Read news from different sources — both national and global. Follow journalists whose work you admire. Understand what makes a story powerful or how headlines are written. Learn how social media is changing news.

Stay curious. Ask questions. Keep your mind open.

The Road Ahead

To get into journalism, it’s not necessary to have things figured out. The crucial thing is to be open to learning, making mistakes and growing every day.

There will be pressure, deadlines, and long hours. But there will also be stories that matter, people you’ll meet, and moments that remind you why you started.

Along with being a career, it is also a responsibility. And it starts with that first step.

Begin Your Journey with ISM

At Indian School of Media, one doesn’t just study journalism—they live it and experience it. Students get to work on real-world projects, mentorship by well-known figures in the industry and a strong focus on practical learning alongwith theory. ISM helps you become career-ready.

If you're ready to turn your passion into purpose, ISM is here to guide your next step.