Columnists write or edit copy for a regular column in a newspaper. Columnist gathers information from already reported stories and forms an analysis based on the findings. Unlike regular reporters, columnists don’t necessarily deliver just the straight facts base on reliable sources. Instead, columnists use their own voices to convey their opinions.
They share information of public interest and offer opinions to their readers. Usually, each column has a specialized area of interest, like politics, sports, religion, fashion, or personal advice. Columnists are distinguishable by writing style, which allows them to grow a dedicated readership. A columnist must always deliver a unique and interesting column in order to keep readers hooked.
Eligibility to be a Columnist
Educational qualification
The qualification required to become a Columnist is a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications or journalism.
Note: Although no formal qualification is required to become a Columnist, persons with deep knowledge of the subject on which they want to write and good writing skills can become successful columnists.
Age limit
There is no restriction with regard to the age of the candidate if he or she wants to be a Columnist.
Columnist Required Skills
- Columnist should have the ability to communicate. He should be able to clearly express his ideas, thoughts, and emotions when speaking or writing.
- He should have reasoning and problem-solving ability.
- Columnist should have the ability to get focused on work.
- They should research for good content.
- He should have knowledge of grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
- A columnist should not be afraid of being rejected.
How to Become a Columnist?
Step 1
After passing class 12th, the candidate needs to get a bachelor's degree in journalism, Native language and or English, or mass communications.
Step 2
After getting a bachelor's degree, the candidate can go for Masters Degree in Journalism, English, or mass communications; so as to have a greater demand in this profession.
Step 3
Once acquiring the necessary education the aspiring columnist can join some media house or go for freelance work according to once will and abilities.
Columnist Training Institute in India
- Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) Delhi
- Xavier's Institute of Communication (XIC)
- Asian College of Journalism (ACJ)
- Symbiosis Institute of Mass Communication (SIMC)
- AJ Kidwai Mass Communication Research Centre (AJKMCRC)
- Mudra Institute of Communications, Ahmedabad (MICA)
- Indian Institute of Journalism & New Media, Bangalore (IIJNM)
- Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, BHU
- Department of Communication and Journalism, Pune
- Bharati Vidya Bhavan's Sardar Patel College of Communication and Management, Delhi
Columnist Job Description
A Columnist has to analyze news and writes a column, based on personal knowledge and experience with the subject matter, for publication or broadcast. He gathers information and develops subject perspective through research, interview, experience, and attendance at functions, such as political conventions, news meetings, sports events, and social activities.
Their job profile involves both indoor and outdoor work and a significant amount of travelling, even to foreign nations. They are generally comfortable, well-lit, and spacious.
On the other hand, outdoor work can be stressful, particularly if it needs to happen at the scene of a crime, natural calamity, or political uprising. Meeting new people is a definite part of being a columnist. Working hours are likely to be irregular, and columnists need to meet strict deadlines.
There are various types of columnist which are as follows:
- Advice columnists, general
- Advice columnists, speciality
- Gossip columnists
- Sports columnists
- Political columnists
- Metropolitan columnists
- Outdoors columnists
Columnist Career Prospects
The job market for Columnist is increasing day by day. A columnist can work in different sectors such as government, private and public sector. There is a wide range of job opportunities in this field. One can work as Business administrative and development, Reporter, Service writer, Chief politics reporter, CEO Opportunities and much more.
Columnist Salary
A columnist can earn Rs. 20,000/- to Rs. 30,000/- per month. With the use of more creativity and gaining more experience and knowledge, a columnist can even earn Rs. 1,00, 000/- to Rs.2,00,000/- per month in India.
