When your brand and your job conflict

American University graduate student Michael Flynn, also a reporter at NBC 4, asked Bell how journalists working for news organizations could make independent names for themselves, saying some employers place limits on what journalists can do.

Professor Amy Eisman said in the world of objectivity that journalism is based upon, displaying your opinion is where things could become challenging.

Bell suggested writing about passions that journalists aren't addressing during the day, but Eisman said you also can't speak out about things that might conflict with your job. The issue sparked debate among students, many of whom argued that when you walk out your door, you are your company.