career in this field Cognitive skills are required to be able to comprehend an issue. Creative skills are required to project the issues and concepts in a creative way to attract attention and make an impact. Any student with skills in media designing, production and technical instrument handling will have an advantage while undertaking assignments or jobs with media houses and advertising agencies. Technical skills — Those interested to work as a development filmmaker, need to know camera techniques and video production apart from content development and implementation.
Apart from these, skill in editing comes handy for marketing management. DCJ professionals need to learn the technical skills to operate equipment correctly to optimise their presentations. They need to learn laws and regulations about what they can and cannot do. Developing presentation techniques to deliver smooth and entertaining programs along with interviewing techniques are important.
They need to learn about the computers used to operate the station, basic radio production skills using suitable software and how to write a creative brief that effectively communicates. A development communication student as an apprentice generally gains real experience at writing a radio spot and having it recorded and scheduled for airplay. For a career in DCJ, a combination of journalistic and presentation skills are required. Interest in current affairs and local conditions, hands-on experience in radio, the ability to communicate and knowledge of music are useful.
Questioning ability helps to look into the finer details of any issue. Passion for adventure and travel are added advantages because travel to the remotest parts of the country would help to gather unique and interesting stories. Ability to work with diverse groups is imperative for a development communication student. S/he needs to be people centric to understand people’s viewpoint on issues affecting their lives and find solutions which will work for them.
For this, it is important to know the principles of social work. The guiding principle has to be ‘helping people help themselves’. Also, acquiring and practising leadership skills helps to be successful. If a person is keen on being a development communication specialist, the person should be a good listener too, to write with sensitivity.
Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to interact professionally with staff, partners and consultants are the demands of present day work culture. Language and computer skills are very essential. Command in any one language is important and includes speaking, writing and reading with an ability to write technical reports and documents. Basic computer skills in using Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint are desirable for success.