KWTX Anchor Taina Maya Offers Career Tips to Aspiring Journalists

By Mia Moody

Writing and paying attention to detail are two of the most important skills a reporter must possess in today’s competitive news industry, according to KWTX anchor, Taina Maya, who spoke at the November meeting sponsored by the Baylor National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ).

Maya encouraged journalism majors to sharpen their basic skills, while building their expertise in new media.

“Even in today’s multimedia climate, listening, writing and reporting are still very important,” she said.

Maya also stressed the importance of good storytelling.

“You have 30 seconds to tell a story,” she said. “You have to be conversational and you have to be hard hitting. There is no way around it.”

Maya, who was born in Hollywood, Calif., said she found her true calling by the age of 6 when she began serving as a voice-over on the television series, “Spider-Man.”

That experience motivated her to seek a career in the entertainment business. In the fifth grade, Maya anchored her elementary school's news show, “Regency Place Television.”

Her experience helped solidify her interest in the news industry. Her drive and determination continues.

“I got into the field because I wanted to be an actor,” she said. “I realized the news industry was more realistic and I can still be on TV.”

While attending the University of the Incarnate Word, in San Antonio, Maya co-founded the university's first television station, UIW-TV. Maya’s ultimate career goal is to work for “Dateline News” as a hard-news reporter.

Based on her years in the industry, the anchor offered the following tips for aspiring journalists:

·         Create a fantastic newsreel that will capture the attention of potential employers.

·         Create a one-page resume that highlights your strong points.

·         Be yourself during interviews. You do not want to sign a contract, and then count down the months until your job ends.

·         Do not be overly pushy. Wait two weeks before you call back. More than likely, they are not going to call you back. Do not get offended if you do not get a job.

·         Have someone knowledgeable look over your contract before you sign it.

·         Keep up with current events. You must read a lot to get ideas.

·         Be innovative and think outside the box.

·         Develop your sources. Check Facebook and other outlets to find out as much as you can about a person. Do not be afraid to call and ask to shadow them.

·         Utilize your internships.  Your first stories will be heavily edited, but you will learn from your mistakes. It is very important to practice your craft.

·         Teamwork is also important. It takes many people to do a job.

·         Go for it. It is an amazing business. Dive in if it is the right thing for you.