Features Editor banner
a Features Editor thumbnail
Features Editor

Overview, Education, Careers Types, Skills, Career Path, Resources

Features Editors curate and manage content, ensuring quality and appeal. They need strong writing and editing skills.

Average Salary

₹4,50,000

Growth

medium

Satisfaction

medium

Home/Careers/media communication and languages/features editor
Educational Requirements

Education Requirements for Becoming a Features Editor

To become a successful features editor in India, a combination of education, skills, and experience is essential. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the typical educational path:

  • Bachelor's Degree:

    • A bachelor's degree in Journalism, Mass Communication, English Literature, or a related field is generally required. These programs provide a strong foundation in writing, editing, and storytelling.

  • Master's Degree (Optional but Recommended):

    • A master's degree in Journalism or a specialized field can enhance your expertise and career prospects. It offers advanced training in research, reporting, and editing.

  • Key Skills:

    • Excellent Writing and Editing Skills: Proficiency in grammar, style, and storytelling is crucial.
    • Strong Communication Skills: Ability to collaborate with writers, understand their perspectives, and provide constructive feedback.
    • Creativity and Innovation: Capacity to generate fresh ideas and unique angles for feature stories.
    • Attention to Detail: Meticulousness in reviewing and editing content to ensure accuracy and quality.
    • Organizational Skills: Ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and coordinate with various teams.
    • Knowledge of Current Affairs: Awareness of social, political, and cultural trends to develop relevant and engaging content.

  • Internships and Experience:

    • Gaining practical experience through internships at newspapers, magazines, or online publications is highly beneficial. Internships provide hands-on training in writing, editing, and content management.

  • Certifications and Workshops:

    • Participating in writing and editing workshops or obtaining certifications can further enhance your skills and knowledge.

  • Portfolio Development:

    • Building a strong portfolio of published articles and edited pieces is essential to showcase your abilities to potential employers.
Study Path
Top Colleges

To pursue a career as a Features Editor in India, several top colleges and institutions offer excellent programs in journalism, mass communication, and related fields. Here are some of the best options:

  • Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), New Delhi:

    • Offers postgraduate diploma courses in journalism and related fields. Known for its rigorous curriculum and industry-oriented approach.

  • Asian College of Journalism, Chennai:

    • Provides postgraduate diploma courses in journalism with a focus on practical training and industry exposure.

  • Symbiosis Institute of Media & Communication (SIMC), Pune:

    • Offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in media and communication. Known for its modern facilities and industry connections.

  • Lady Shri Ram College (LSR), New Delhi:

    • Offers undergraduate programs in journalism and English literature. Renowned for its academic excellence and strong alumni network.

  • Delhi University (Various Colleges):

    • Offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in journalism and mass communication through colleges like Delhi College of Arts and Commerce (DCAC) and Kamala Nehru College.

  • Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi:

    • Offers postgraduate programs in media and communication. Known for its research-oriented approach and interdisciplinary studies.

  • Manipal Institute of Communication, Manipal:

    • Provides undergraduate and postgraduate programs in media and communication. Offers a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

These colleges provide a strong foundation for a career as a Features Editor by offering comprehensive programs, experienced faculty, and industry exposure.

Fees

The fee structure for courses relevant to becoming a Features Editor in India varies widely depending on the type of institution (government, private), the level of the course (undergraduate, postgraduate), and the specific program. Here’s a general overview:

  • Undergraduate Courses (e.g., BA in Journalism, Mass Communication, English Literature):

    • Government Colleges/Universities: ₹5,000 to ₹20,000 per year.
    • Private Colleges/Universities: ₹30,000 to ₹1,50,000 per year.

  • Postgraduate Courses (e.g., MA in Journalism, Mass Communication):

    • Government Colleges/Universities: ₹10,000 to ₹30,000 per year.
    • Private Colleges/Universities: ₹50,000 to ₹3,00,000 per year.

  • Diploma Courses:

    • Government Institutes: ₹5,000 to ₹15,000 for the entire course.
    • Private Institutes: ₹20,000 to ₹1,00,000 for the entire course.

  • Additional Costs:

    • Application Fees: ₹500 to ₹2,000 per application.
    • Hostel Fees: ₹10,000 to ₹30,000 per year (government), ₹40,000 to ₹1,50,000 per year (private).
    • Books and Study Materials: ₹5,000 to ₹15,000 per year.

These figures are approximate and can vary. It’s important to check the specific fee structure of the colleges or institutes you are interested in.

Related Exams

To become a Features Editor, there aren't specific entrance exams like those for engineering or medicine. However, excelling in this field involves a combination of education, skills, and experience. Here’s a breakdown of relevant exams and how they can help:

  • Undergraduate Entrance Exams:

    • Common University Entrance Test (CUET): For admission to various undergraduate programs in central universities, including Journalism and Mass Communication.
    • State-Level Entrance Exams: Many state universities conduct their own entrance exams for undergraduate courses.

  • Postgraduate Entrance Exams:

    • JNU Entrance Exam: Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) offers postgraduate programs in Mass Communication, and admission is based on an entrance exam.
    • IIMC Entrance Exam: The Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) conducts its own entrance exam for postgraduate diploma courses in journalism and related fields.
    • Other University Entrance Exams: Many universities conduct their own entrance exams for postgraduate programs in journalism and communication.

  • Skills-Based Assessments:

    • Writing Tests: Many employers may require candidates to undergo writing tests to assess their writing skills, grammar, and style.
    • Editing Tests: Editing tests may be conducted to evaluate a candidate's ability to identify and correct errors in grammar, punctuation, and style.

These exams help in building a strong foundation for a career as a Features Editor by ensuring you have the necessary education and skills.

Exam NameExam Date
Pros And Cons

Pros

  1. Creative satisfaction in shaping engaging content.
  2. Opportunity to influence public opinion.
  3. Intellectual stimulation through diverse topics.
  4. Collaborative work with talented writers.
  5. Continuous learning and skill development.
  6. Potential for career advancement.
  7. Networking opportunities within the industry.
  8. Contribution to meaningful storytelling.

Cons

  1. High-pressure environment with tight deadlines.
  2. Long hours and demanding workload.
  3. Dealing with difficult writers or editors.
  4. Job insecurity due to industry changes.
  5. Limited creative control at times.
  6. Competition for coveted positions.
  7. Need to stay updated with trends.
  8. Potential for stress and burnout.