Career Paths with a Media Degree You May Not Have Considered

Today, the media industry is far broader and evolving faster than ever.

A media degree is not just a ticket to the newsroom- it’s a passport to some of the fastest-growing and unexpected careers. Many students often think they will become a journalist, news anchor or maybe work in PR. But it’s not true!

Let’s see how.

India’s Media & Entertainment sector is on a strong rise- it’s expected to grow at 9.7% annually and touch US$73.6 billion by 2027. For students, this means career options are expanding well beyond the newsroom or TV studio.

This allows graduates to shape careers that exist or didn’t even exist a decade ago. Whether you are pursuing a BA in Journalism and Mass Communication or an MA in Journalism and Mass Communication, this blog will help you explore a diverse range of career opportunities!

Nowadays, the media industry is no longer confined to print and television. The scenario is changing, here is how-

Students who wish to enter this space should see it as a dynamic and flexible field full of possibilities if they are willing to adapt.

Both BA and MA programmes in Journalism and Mass Communication help you develop a strong foundation and essential skills. This is what you will gain during the courses-

• Core Skills- Writing, Research, Multimedia Production, Editing, Storytelling and Critical Thinking
• Extra Skills– Digital Literacy, Social Media Analytics, Project Management, Creative Ideation and Collaboration

And the best part? The skills you gain in the media don’t stop at journalism. They carry over into marketing, entertainment, consulting and even tech—opening doors far beyond the newsroom.

A. Traditional Roles
1.     Reporter/Sub-editor
₹1.7-18.2 LPA starting salary
Work for newspapers, online portals, or magazines

2.     Radio Jockey
₹1-7 LPA starting salary

Great for those with strong voice modulation and presentation skills
3.     Photojournalist/Photographer
₹2-6.2 LPA depending on specialisation and portfolio
Work for media, fashion or advertising
4.     Anchor/Presenter
₹2.2-24 LPA starting salary

Work especially in regional and national TV channels
B. Digital/New Media Roles
Content Writer / Blogger
Salary- ₹2.5–5 LPA
Entry roles in digital marketing agencies, startups or as freelancers
Social Media Coordinator / Specialist
Salary- ₹3–6 LPA
Manage online brand presence and campaigns
Junior Video / Multimedia Producer
Salary- ₹3–5 LPA
Work with YouTube channels, OTT, or production houses
Podcast / Vlog Creator
Income varies widely, often freelancing with ad revenue and sponsorships
C. Other Career Paths You May Not Have Thought of
Copywriting
Advertising Assistant
Event Management
Public Events Support
Media Research
Audience Insights
Corporate Communication

Freelancing Platforms/Remote Content Work

You have to follow some crucial things to be well-prepared for the programme-
Take internships early and across sectors
Build a portfolio — blogging, vlogging or even photography counts
Learn tools — Adobe Premiere, Canva or Google Analytics
Network actively — take small gigs — to gain exposure

A. Advanced Roles
Senior Content Editor- ₹6-12 LPA. Lead editorial teams.
Broadcast Producer- ₹7-15 LPA. Work with TV and OTT production houses.
Investigative Journalist- ₹5-10 LPA with scope for global recognition.
Media Policy Expert- ₹6-10 LPA, which is often tied to think tanks and policy institutes.
B. Strategic and Managerial Roles
Media Planner or Strategist- ₹5-9 LPA. Manage ad campaigns and content strategy.
Director of Communications- ₹10-18 LPA. Leadership role in corporates or agencies.
Content Strategy Lead- ₹7-14 LPA. Guide longer digital content plans.
Brand Journalism- ₹6-12 LPA. Create brand-centric storytelling.
C. Emerging Media Roles
Digital Analytics / Insights Specialist- ₹6-10 LPA. Combine media with data.
UX / Content Design- ₹5-9 LPA. Write for apps, websites and digital products.
Media Law Roles- ₹7-12 LPA. Legal + media expertise.
Academic / Research Roles- ₹6-9 LPA. Teach or research in universities.
Foreign Correspondent- ₹8-15 LPA. Global career with travel opportunities.

• Pick a specialisation that sets you apart
• Focus on advanced internships that provide leadership exposure
• Publish research or collaborate on projects
• Attend teaching or guest lectures for academic credibility

Thinking of a career in media? Mahindra University gives you more than classroom learning—it brings in projects, internships, and even global exposure. This mix helps students sharpen real skills and explore opportunities in every corner of the media world.

Courses in Media Offered by Mahindra University

A postgraduate course includes advanced learning, with a strong focus on digital media, media law, strategic communication and leadership roles. Students are guided by experienced faculty and also get many benefits from advanced studios and labs.

You have a chance to turn your passion into a lucrative profession by starting your journey in media with Mahindra University. Explore and gain the right skills with programmes offering practical exposure and confidence to thrive in today’s media world.

Pursuing a media degree won’t lock you up in a single room- it opens up a diverse range of opportunities. Whether you’re studying a bachelor’s degree or a master‘s, you will explore roles across traditional, digital and emerging industries. If you’re looking to take the next step, start with identifying completely new career paths.

Check out media courses at Mahindra University- BA in Journalism and Mass Communication and MA in Journalism and Mass Communication. Get expert mentorship, global exposure and real-world learning that will train you to lead and innovate in the media industry!

1. What is the highest salary after BA in Journalism?
   You can explore a wide range of career pathways after a BA — reporter, sub-editor, radio jockey, photojournalist, anchor, content writer and many more.
2. Which is best, BA or MA in Journalism and Mass Communication?
   The best depends on your career goals, prior education as well as desired depth of knowledge. These factors help you to identify which one is best for your career.
3. What are high-paying career roles after MA in Journalism and Mass Communication?
   You can secure roles like senior editor, broadcast producer, investigative journalist, media strategist, content strategy lead, UX content design, etc.