This paper contains the results of a scientific analysis based on the search for competencies of journalists in the twenty-first century to perform inside and outside the country, for this, research instruments were applied in 2021 to third- and fourth-year Journalism students at the University of Panama. To analyze the professional and personal skills of journalists in training in the face of the demands in the professional world. A focus group, structured interviews, comparison of syllabus, mock test, survey and questionnaire were applied. The students' deficiencies were: syntax, cultural baggage, analysis, proactivity, digital tools, motivation, lack of reading, interpretation and expression. 83.3% of third-year students stated that they reinforced knowledge apart from their career, and 16.7% did not. The University can improve in: digital tools, guidance, extracurricular activities, internships and infrastructures. Fourth-year subjects prefer the traditional field of work. Journalists do not have international participation due to a lack of investigations. The skills that journalists need to develop nationally and internationally are the same. Third-year subjects do not meet the required skills; In writing, reading comprehension and ethics were deficient. The admissions process is flawed in admitting applicants without knowing their aspirations. The lack of stimulation and oversaturated field make journalists unable to practice their profession.
