How to Become a Columnist

About Columnist

Are you fond of writing and research? Do you want to make a career by writing about your opinion and views? Well, it is absolutely possible to make a career out of it now. Anyone who likes to read, write about their views and opinions and work to put forward their viewpoints, can make a successful career out of it. They are known as the Columnist. 

The Cambridge English Dictionary defines a Columnist as someone who writes a regular article for a newspaper or magazine. To sum it up, it is the exact meaning of a Columnist. However, it is not all. A Columnist is allowed to write off their own opinions and viewpoints for the general audience to read and decide. They work in newspapers, magazines, blogs, internet pages, social media pages, and other publications. Although earlier, columnists were confined to newspapers and magazines, in the current world they are open to many new horizons. 

So, if you are planning to become a Columnist, you make yourself available to be heard with your words. As the saying goes, Pen is mightier than the Sword. The words written by a columnist are far more impactful and influential. They hold the power to mold the thoughts of the reading audience. Hence, it is a job with responsibilities to guide the right path for the audience about any matter.

Eligibility to become Columnist

Educational Requirements

• Candidates must have completed their graduation in Journalism and Communication.
• Candidate with Diploma in Mass Communication or Journalism is also accepted.
• It is best if the candidates have completed their Postgraduation in Journalism or Mass Communication.

Skill Requirements

• Communication Skills.
• Good Command over the language.
• Writing, editing, proofreading skills.
• Broadcasting and publishing knowledge.
• Eye for the subject in concern.

Types of Job Roles Columnist

The job as a Columnist does not just confine one to a single sector. There are multiple options that one can pursue as a columnist. They can easily get jobs in the newspaper or magazine industry, or in the broadcasting industry. Some of the job roles fit for a columnist are:

Advice Columnist

This is mostly a question and answer column. Here the columnist will respond to the queries of the reader. It is mostly seen in newspapers, magazines, and online websites as well. 

Critic

A critic columnist is one who mainly follows and writes about art, media, history, science, social agenda, politics, environment, entertainment, or any other subject. They critically study, analyze and then write about their opinion on the matter. 

Editorial Opinion Columnist

They are mostly the senior columnist or writers, who write about the matter as a whole. They write about books or magazines.

Gossip Columnist

They write light and fun content as a column in newspapers and magazines. They basically write about the gossip and chatters around.

Humor Columnist

Humor Columnist writes, funny content. Content that is readable and understandable by all. 

Food Columnist

Foodie or food lovers have the best option to become a food columnist. They explore and experience before writing. They write factual information on food items, restaurants, or cafes.

Employment Sector/Industry for Columnist

• Columnists write for newspapers, magazines, websites.
• They write about general interests, news, or special information.
• Some columnists also work for syndicates that organize articles and sell them to various media channels.
• They are free to write about what strikes them.  
• Should write about the subjects that are relatable to the audience. 

Pay Scale/Salary of Columnist

With the required educational qualifications and skills, anyone can easily kickstart their career as a columnist with a decent salary in India. With 1-3 years of experience, one can earn INR 5 lakh to INR 8 Lakh per annum. And with more than 3 years of experience, as a senior columnist one can easily earn INR 10 lakh per annum minimum without any upper limit. That entirely depends on the skills and qualities they posses. 

Books & Study Material to Become Columnist

To become a columnist the best is self-reflection. One must truly ask themselves what they want to write and how they want to write. Still, before starting a career, here are some guide books that will help in writing:

Pros of becoming a Columnist

• Freedom to write anything that best suits them.
• Can earn by writing one's own opinion.
• Have great salary packages. 
• Flexible work timing.

Cons of becoming a Columnist

• Subject to be criticed.
• High possibilities to face rejection.
• Always have to be more innovative and different.
• Carries heavy responsibilities of the society.