Careertrack: Get paid for yapping, VJ ishtyle

MTV launched its American operations in the early 80s with the aptly titled music video called 'Video killed the radio star'. And it did. A new kind of television star was created instantly: the video jockey or VJ. This mania took another decade to reach the subcontinent. In the 90s MTV and later on Channel V made VJs such as Ruby Bhatia and Trey Farley household names. Today VJs have become brand ambassadors for their channels and the profession is fast attracting a number of young people into its fold.

Nature of Job:

Technically, the job of the VJ is rather simple: to introduce a music video. But VJs do more than just that. As the scope and nature of music channels undergo changes, so do the job profile of VJs. Today, music channels are positioning themselves as youth channels. Hence, the VJ not only introduces videos but chats with the public, hosts game shows and interviews celebrities as well.

Areas of work:

The VJ must be a jack of all trades. From music and films to travel and politics, VJs dabble in a bit of everything. Hence, being well informed is essential for survival. Being a VJ also involves a fair amount of off camera work including promotionals and emceeing.

Specialisation:

With experience, VJs often pick an area to specialise in. MTV's Cyrus Broacha with his zany sense of humour is associated with all the 'crazy' shows on the channel. VJ and model Laila Rouass hosted Channel V's 'Fashion Police'.

The workplace:

VJs are mainly employed by music channels. However, they may also be hired by producers of film-based programmes. The VJs work can be tiresome, as travelling is a constant. Shoots may be arranged in different locales in different cities and at various music/film/youth-related events. Also, VJs are involved in promos for the channel they work with. This again involves travelling and erratic hours of work in and out of the studio.

Educational Qualifications required:

No formal education is required to be a VJ. However, candidates with a
background in journalism, mass communication, acting, radio and the performing
arts enjoy head start.

Undergraduate courses:

BS Communication

* Bangalore University, Ghana Bharati, Bangalore

.

BA with Journalism

* University of Calcutta, Senate House, Calcutta.

* Stella Maris College, Cathedral Road, Chennai

.

Postgraduate Courses:

* MA Mass Communication and Journalism.

* University of Calcutta, Senate House, Calcutta.

* Mangalore University, Mangalore.

* University of Madras, Chennai.

MA in Media Communication and Management:

* Kodaikanal Christian College, Paradise Hill, Kodaikanal.

Master of Communication Studies:

* University of Pune, Department of Communication Studies, Pune.

* Manipal Institute of Communication, Manipal.

MA in Media Communication and Management:

* Kodaikanal Christian College, Paradise Hill, Kodaikanal.

Master of Communication Studies:

* University of Pune, Department of Communication Studies, Pune.

* Manipal Institute of Communication, Manipal.

MA Mass Communication:

* MCRC, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi

.

Postgraduate Diploma in Communication:

* Mudra Institute of Communication, Shela, Ahemdabad.

Diploma in Communication and Media Development:

* SNDT Women`s University, Nathibai Thackersey Road, Mumbai

.

Short-Term Courses:

Courses in acting:

* Asian Academy of Film and Television, Sector 16A, Noida, UP.

Diploma in Fundamental and Audio-visual Education:

*Dr. Harisingh Gour Viswavidyalaya, Gour Nagar, Sagar, MP.

Course in TV Reporting, Presentation and Production:

* Indian Television Training Institute, C-41, Gulmohar Park, New Delhi

.

Diversification of VJs:

* Disc jockey (DJ)

* Modelling

* Theatre

* Film

* Anchoring

* Newscasting

* PR