• Continuing the tradition
  • Quietly contributing to the profession

Previous generations of journalism students often studied in limited material conditions, specialized documents were scarce, and access to information depended heavily on traditional books, printed newspapers and archives. They practiced their working skills through fieldwork, through internships at newsrooms and learning from previous journalists. Their self-study spirit, diligence and passion for practical learning were outstanding. In contrast, today's journalism students grow up in a digital technology environment, with an almost unlimited knowledge base. With just a smart device connected to the Internet, they can access thousands of international articles, specialized books, instructional videos and statistical data. Learning methods are also more diverse: learning through videos, practicing with film editing software, making newspapers on digital platforms, interacting directly with lecturers online... Proactivity and creativity in learning are more emphasized than ever.

Above all, the difference in professional skills and working tools between journalism students today and those of the past is also very clear. Journalism students in the past were mostly trained according to the traditional journalism model: writing for print newspapers, television and radio reports. This means that you will focus on writing skills, the ability to express yourself clearly, observe reality and have a tight, meticulous working style. Working tools at that time were quite rudimentary: handheld tape recorders, mechanical cameras, notebooks, ballpoint pens... Therefore, you learn more about social communication skills and life experiences than modern advanced technologies.

Modern journalism students are trained in multimedia, must know how to film, edit videos , edit images, produce podcasts, create content for social networks, and must be proficient in specialized software such as Premiere, Photoshop, Canva, CapCut, AI news writing... In addition, working tools are also optimized, with just a smartphone, you can complete an entire electronic newsletter or livestream live at the event scene. The concept of "multi-talented reporter" has become an inevitable trend and is fully present in journalism students.

Journalism students also have to hone their practical skills and deal with real-life news situations.

Journalism students also have to hone their practical skills and deal with real-life news situations.

Of course, due to the constant demands of the times, current journalism students also have differences in their perception of the profession and job opportunities. The previous generation of journalism students often chose journalism because of their passion, dedication, and spirit of serving society. In the context of many economic difficulties, journalism is not a "money-making" profession, but it is still considered a noble profession with great social influence. Job opportunities are mainly concentrated in state press agencies.

Today, journalism students approach their careers with a more realistic view, considering income, personal development, and flexibility in the working environment. In addition to traditional newsrooms, they can work at media companies, advertising agencies, YouTube channels, digital newsrooms, content production businesses, etc. Many students even choose to become independent journalists, becoming content creators on digital platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, or personal podcasts.

The difference between journalism students of the past and present is an inevitable result of technological development, social change and globalization. If journalism students of the past left their mark with a sense of discipline, responsibility and professional ideals, journalism students of today demonstrate dynamism, creativity and quick adaptation to the new environment. However, regardless of the era, journalists always need to maintain the core of the profession: honesty, objectivity and responsibility to the public.

Some journalism students participate in competitions with other schools to improve their knowledge and situational handling skills. (Photo provided by the Faculty of Journalism, University of Social Sciences and Humanities)

Some journalism students participate in competitions with other schools to improve their knowledge and situational handling skills. (Photo provided by the Faculty of Journalism, University of Social Sciences and Humanities)

In the context of the fourth industrial revolution (4.0) that is having a profound impact on all fields, the journalism industry is not out of the digital transformation and technology application cycle. Journalism students - who will become the owners of the future media - are facing many opportunities, along with countless challenges. In order not to be left behind, they need to be equipped with flexible thinking, multimedia skills and solid professional ethics.

Nguyen Ngoc Nhu Y, a first-year student majoring in Journalism at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (Ho Chi Minh City National University), shared: “The 4.0 era brings a more dynamic and open journalism environment than ever before. With the development of the Internet, social networks, artificial intelligence, virtual reality or big data, we are no longer limited by space and time. Students must have enough skills to produce content themselves, publish podcasts, write personal blogs or make reports using smartphones without having to wait until graduation. In addition, they must improve themselves to be proficient in using new technologies, such as AI to support fast news writing, audio editing, automatic video editing... to both save time and increase work efficiency. In addition, accessing rich sources of information from all over the world has also become easier, helping students improve their critical thinking and problem analysis skills.”

However, the spread of false information and fake news on social networks is also one of the serious problems today. This requires journalism students to not only have the skills to verify information but also maintain professional ethics and be loyal to the truth - something that is gradually being neglected amid the wave of "view-baiting" and "attracting interaction".

The 4.0 era opens up a door full of opportunities for journalism students, but along with that comes many challenges. MSc. Le Anh Tu, CEO of iGem Agency, lecturer at the Faculty of Public Relations - Communication, Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics and Finance (UEF), said: “Becoming a multimedia reporter who does too many things at once like today leads to you not specializing in anything. From there, your thinking will not develop your skills synchronously. It must be recognized that no one in the world can be good at everything at the same time. Today's students must have specific strengths. The core skill of the profession is writing, which you must ensure, but other skills are also about 7-8 points. Supplementary skills trained over time will help you stand firmer in the profession. In addition, you need love for the profession and perseverance to have the opportunity to shine.”

Students of the Faculty of Journalism, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, made documentaries and had an award ceremony to encourage professional skills.

Students of the Faculty of Journalism, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, made documentaries and had an award ceremony to encourage professional skills.

Not only are journalism students newsmakers, they are also creators, shapers of public opinion, and contributors to building a smart society. With a spirit of continuous learning, passion for the profession, and alertness in the era of “information chaos,” journalism students can absolutely become pioneers, contributing to writing a new face for modern journalism.

Associate Professor, Dr. Dang Thi Thu Huong, Vice Principal of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (Vietnam National University, Hanoi), shared: "Unlike training bachelors of other social sciences, training professional skills is always the number 1 priority in journalism and communication training schools. In the context of journalism having to compete with social networks and struggling with artificial intelligence, journalism training must maintain its core values, which is to train people on a solid knowledge foundation, with intellectual depth, reporting accurately and humanely. Therefore, the current training program is constantly changing and is supplemented with many new subjects, keeping up with modernity such as: journalism on mobile phones, data journalism, content organization and creation of journalistic masterpieces... The important and valuable knowledge backgrounds from teachers who are previous generations of journalists will help students, future journalists, to thoroughly identify problems and convey information to the most humane public”./.

Lam Khanh

Source: https://baocamau.vn/sinh-vien-bao-chi-thoi-nay-a39751.html