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I’d like to enrol in a private institution to study mass communications but I’m unsure if the job prospects are good. I hope to work as a writer in a magazine, but I’m afraid the chances won’t be as good as compared to those from a polytechnic or junior college. Is this true and what can I do in order to enter this industry?

What’s most important when it comes to studying with your future in mind is to make sure that you do well. It doesn’t matter what you study (unless you’re going into something very specialised like accounting, law or medicine) that you’ll need to study the specific degree for that industry. Mass communications will certainly help when it comes to getting a job in the publishing industry, but it’s not the be-all and end-all if you don’t have it. At the end of the day, you’ll still be getting a diploma or degree from the private institution and that’s what counts the most.

My tip to joining the publishing industry? Be an intern. It’s the best way for you to learn what all the ins and outs of the job are and is a great chance for you to show what you’re capable of regardless of your degree or diploma or where it’s from. In fact, most of the CLEO team started out as interns before nabbing their jobs at the magazine. So don’t let qualification get in the way of your ambitions!