Professional journalism is defined as the practice of gathering, evaluating, creating, and presenting news and information in accordance with ethical standards. Croatian journalism has a rich history, evolving alongside numerous political and social changes. Throughout its development, Croatian journalism has faced many challenges, such as censorship, political influence, and the transition of the media landscape. While there are many studies on public perceptions of the reputation of the journalism profession, fewer focus on the opinions of journalism students, the future bearers of the profession, regarding the state of professional journalism. Therefore, research was conducted with 207 journalism and communication students to determine their attitudes toward professional journalism in the Republic of Croatia. The research focused on identifying the specific competencies needed for practicing journalism and students' perceptions of the current state of the profession. Results indicated that students recognize the crucial role of digital literacy, communication skills, and ethical norms. They are also critical of the current state of the media, citing bias and political influences as significant issues. These findings highlight the importance of continuous education and adaptation for journalists, which is essential for strengthening the integrity and professionalism of the journalism profession in Croatia.