With the arrival of spring, many journalism students are quickly nearing the end of their college careers. In the exciting and excruciating pursuit of their first job in journalism, how can young reporters keep their cool in the face of chaos?

Budding reporters and DePaul journalism alumni Samantha Moilanen and Alyssa Gomez join hosts Carol Marin and Lisa Parker to discuss how students can break into the industry, stand out to employers, make the most of their time in school and prepare for what the classroom can't teach them.

Produced by Sabrina Castle, music by Lucas Weisman. "So You Want to be a Reporter" is made possible by DePaul University's Center for Journalism Integrity & Excellence.

Though we usually focus our podcast on young journalists, this episode is dedicated to someone completely different: consumers who aren't familiar with the ins and outs of the news media industry. Trust in journalism has taken a nosedive, so this episode dives deep into the systems and standards that are the heartbeat of reliable reporting.

Seasoned journalists and DePaul faculty Martha Irvine and Chris Bury join hosts Carol Marin and Lisa Parker to discuss the process of story writing, common misconceptions around journalism and rebuilding the relationship between readers and reporters.

Produced by Sabrina Castle, music by Lucas Weisman. "So You Want to be a Reporter" is made possible by DePaul University's Center for Journalism Integrity & Excellence.

Over the last few months, we've watched the Trump administration sue the parent company of CBS, put restrictions on White House reporters and apply pressure to suspend Jimmy Kimmel from his show — all of which begs a serious question: how free is our free press right now?

DePaul journalism alumni Brenden Moore, Brendan Pedersen and Deni Kamper join hosts Carol Marin and Lisa Parker to discuss the current state of news media and offer guidance on how young reporters can adapt to this changing climate.

Produced by Sabrina Castle, music by Lucas Weisman. "So You Want to be a Reporter" is made possible by DePaul University's Center for Journalism Integrity & Excellence.