Rohtak varsity rolls out vision for students, focuses on practical exposure, placements

Prof Randeep Rana, who recently took over as the head of the department of journalism and mass communication (DJMC) at Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU), highlighted the department’s renewed focus on providing students with hands-on practical exposure. He stated that aligning academic learning with real-world industry demands was essential for students to develop skills relevant to various fields within journalism.

“Many students, due to limited exposure and guidance, struggle to identify which branch of journalism—whether print, electronic, or digital media—best suits their interests and abilities. To address this, the DJMC will organise field-specific activities and practical assignments with an aim to help students recognise their strengths and preferred areas of specialisation before they complete their course, thereby improving their readiness for professional careers,” said Prof Rana while talking to The Tribune.

He further stated that campus placements would be given high priority. “The field of journalism and mass communication offers vast career opportunities. While the initial phase may involve struggle, with dedication and skill, one can achieve significant professional growth. To support this journey, we are planning to invite leading media houses for campus placements at the end of each academic session,” said Prof Rana who also serves as Dean, faculty of arts and proctor of the university.

The HoD further said the DJMC would actively assist students in securing practical training opportunities with prominent media houses after the completion of their course. “This hands-on exposure is crucial for developing industry-ready skills and gaining real-world experience. By facilitating such training, the department aims at equipping the students with practical knowledge and confidence required to build successful careers in the field of journalism and mass communication,” Rana added.

Emphasising the vital role of mass communication in all professional fields, he stated that it was a broad and dynamic discipline essential for effectively conveying ideas, facilitating dialogue and coordinating with large groups.

“Recognising this necessity, we have planned to launch new initiatives, including workshops and training sessions, specifically designed for the journalism students. Professionals from various sectors will be invited as guest speakers to share their insights. The aim is to help the students understand how mass communication plays a crucial role across different domains and how it can be used strategically to achieve both professional and organisational goals,” Rana concluded.