A career in Journalism is 100% challenging and demanding

In Short

Journalism is not a glamorous field. It needs too much hard work, so always think well before entering into journalistic career.
Always be curious. A Multimedia Journalist operates his work on various levels, so learn how to present a single story in vivid formats.
Start working on futuristic journalism through which you would work for the well-being of humanity and apply mind with advanced technology.

I am Vishakha Shirke, born and brought up in Mumbai. I am a Multimedia Journalist and a passionate traveller. After completing graduation in Psychology from Mumbai University, I opted for Journalism diploma which I did from Xavier Institute of Mass Communication, Mumbai. I love learning new languages and I keep on learning them as much as possible. I had worked for news media as a journalist for 16 years. Currently I am a freelance feature writer and book editor. Travel, music, books, films, wildlife and conservation are my interests. Writersvish and Reel to read are my blogs.

Who is a Multimedia Journalist and Language Editor?

A Multimedia Journalist is one who works for various media platforms such as television, print, radio, web, mobile, etc. Multimedia journalist should be an expert in various talents that are required for media. This will help him to survive in any form of media. For instance, he or she must be good at writing, editing, translating, scripting, communication, narration, hosting a audio-visual format, applying technology, networking and many more things.

Language Editor is the one who takes care of quality of the book on editorial levels. Language editor has to check manuals, scripts, edit them, do proofread and keep check on each and every editorial quality. He/she would be the one who will provide final quality analysis to production department of any book or any product.

How it all got started for you?

My father and my brother had definitely influenced me in my teenage and school days since they both were journalists. In my college days I saw my brother’s career shaping up with Indian Express group as a journalist and that was like a good home tutorial for me. But I never thought of being a journalist and took admission for computer programming diploma course. After finishing that course I started writing for newspapers on some social issues during my free time. Eventually I found that if I could write well and journalism would be a great career for me. Thus, it all happened due to my interest in writing.

When I entered into journalism, the term multimedia journalist didn’t exist at all and electronic media was totally a new thing. Later, I decided to be a broadcast journalist and worked for radio for few months. After that I shifted to electronic news channels and then the journey ascended which helped me to become a multimedia journalist.

What do you do and how do you do it?

Currently, I work as a freelancer. I write travel features for newspapers and my blogs. Truly speaking, journalists works for 24*7 and that’s literally true in case of broadcast journalist which was previously my life.

How is the actual career different from what you initially thought about it?

My actual career and work had never been different than I thought. I knew that a career in journalism is 100% challenging and demanding. If you don’t have devotion towards your work and career, it will lead you to failure. Being a perfectionist I was ready to accept this challenge. I enjoyed my earlier days with radio (AIR, Mumbai) and that was the time I learned that I have to devote my total concentration and energy towards my work to make it excellent. Television taught me to keep the patience and grow. My each job in each media has taught me something good.

How did you prepare for this career?

I stay focused on my reading, from where I learn about many things happening around the world. I learned to use my observation skills profoundly. Apart from these I write articles and blogs whenever I can. Now being a multimedia journalist I am able to work for any media format since I had worked for many of them.

What do you love about your job?

I love the madness which pushes any journalist to do their assignment and of course I look for the satisfaction after finishing that assignment. I have always liked the liveliness of news media which keeps you on toes and alert at the same time. Apart from this, I have enjoyed the respect and recognition which a journalist gets from the society.

What are the challenges you face in your career?

Lack of family time is the challenge that I face while working for television.

What sort of experiences helped prepare you most?

My diploma in journalism has definitely helped me to make my career decision. It trained me to be a good writer and an alert journalist. Also, learning Psychology was an added value to my career. Observing people, acting as a good listener and communicating with various types of people are the few things where my Psychology knowledge had supported me.

How do you like to spend your free time?

Usually I spend my free time with family and friends. Apart from that I like listening music and speeches, reading good books, watching global movies, gardening, practicing yoga and playing guitar.