ABSTRACT
On the yearly basis, universities, polytechnics,
media colleges and institutes graduating students hopefully to work in any form
of the media but the reverse appears to the case among the students
particularly female ones who prefer other careers. This opinion requires an
empirical studies to establish its real position; it is on this notion that
this paper examines the attitude and perception of female mass communication
students of Kwara State University, Malete towards chosen journalism or its
related arms like public relations as a career. The research was anchored on
individual difference and perception theory. Survey research method was adopted
while questionnaires were administered to the respondents within the institution
who were drawn using multistage sampling technique from 100-400 level. The data
collected were analysed and interpreted using descriptive statistics (frequency
percentage and tables). Findings show that majority of the respondents did not
wish to practice journalism despite the years spent in learning, stressing that
journalism is time consuming job with no time for husband and children coupled
with discrimination and other
hazards attached to it especially during election, crisis etc. although some
still believe that they can practice as either freelance or just as
broadcasters. The research recommended that Media houses should make it a point
of duty to employ more of the female Journalists just like they employ the male
Journalists. Men who are opportune to marry female Journalists should encourage
them to practice their profession, while salary of journalists should be
increased so as to motivate and change the negative attitude of female mass
communication students towards journalism a career to positive on one.
