While Daniela Vega, MCM’24, JMS’23 had decided at a young age that she wanted to work in communications like her mother, it wasn’t until she came to Rutgers that she realized her passion for journalism.

Vega, who earned a bachelor's degree in Journalism and Media Studies and a Master of Communication and Media, said her time at SC&I gave her the tools to help her experience various aspects of her field.

Classes such as Professor of Professional Practice and Director of Undergraduate Studies, Journalism and Media Studies Steven Miller’s Television Reporting reinforced this for her, as well as a diverse array of internships she held at McGraw Hill, SHERRI, The American Heart Association, and then CNBC.

Daniela’s internship at CNBC was a huge milestone- it was her chance to get her foot in the door at a major broadcast company. She describes this experience fondly, and says, “I remember the day I got the call that I’d been accepted, and I cried. The broadcast industry is very hard to break into and to have finally gotten the opportunity to fulfill my dream of working within NBC was amazing!”

Today, Vega is the Executive Assistant to the Chairman at NBCU Local and Executive Vice President of Talent, Strategic Initiatives, and Team Impact. In our Q&A with Vega, she describes the experience of landing her position, the work it takes to succeed, and her advice for current and prospective SC&I students.

SC&I: Describe to us your year-long internship at CNBC. What was rewarding about this experience and what did you learn from it?
DV: It was a big shock in the beginning. You have an idea of what broadcast is like, but it’s not until you’re thrown into it that you understand how it really works. I worked at the CNBC Global Headquarters as a Spanish Business/Breaking News intern.

I wrote three news packages a week, a weekly financial literacy package, and translated business newsletters. I was able to work with editors, create graphics, record my own news story, and shadowed various producers during their daily shows.

In this time, I also worked with the news desk to cover ‘United States of America v. Samuel Bankman-Fried, 2023’. I took notes from within the courtroom and worked with the live reporters and the cameramen.

One of the many important lessons I learned in my role was to be curious and to not be afraid to get out of your comfort zone. Put yourself in situations where you’ll be challenged, that’s the only way you can unlock new levels of potential. 

SC&I: How do you find pursuing journalism and communications from a bilingual perspective? What advice would you give bilingual SC&I students looking to pursue professional work in a language other than English?
DV: You need to make sure you practice—understanding a language is different from applying it. I have attended conventions where many bilingual journalists have advised others to ‘read as much as you can, write as much as you can, and speak as much as you can.’

Leverage your language skills by seeking internships and networking opportunities that allow you to work in your second language, gain real-world experience, and build a bilingual portfolio.

Bilingual professionals are in high demand because there’s such a big audience for it. Find ways to improve your skills. Not only will it make you more marketable, but you’ll be proud to show off your talent.

SC&I: How did your time at SC&I prepare you for your experience in the broadcasting industry? What has been rewarding and what has been challenging of your experience?
DV: My time at SC&I played a significant role in shaping my path in the broadcast industry. Its focus on various media studies and digital skills equips students with a foundation in different formats.The hands-on experiences, paired with support from faculty such as Steven Miller, provided a strong framework for my career.

The most rewarding aspect has been seeing the impact of my work and overall growth. Like I said before, there's always going to be a challenge, but it's what you learn and take from it that is most important.

SC&I: What are your plans for the future in your current position as executive assistant to the chairman at NBCU Local? Is there any advice you would give SC&I students looking to follow in your footsteps?
DV: My short-term goal is to become a show producer. I love being behind the camera and seeing how everything comes to fruition. My long-term goal is to be in a leadership and management position—whether that’s a general manager, a president, or even a chairman.

Advice I would give is to focus on networking and finding ways to improve your skills. Yes, what’s on your resume is important, but it’s more than that. It’s about the impressions you make on people and keeping up with them. You want to be that person who’s constantly following up and putting your name out there.

Take advantage of any resources and/or opportunities that are available. I believe in taking every opportunity to learn as much as you can—the more experience and knowledge, the better.

Believe in yourself and never give up. It took me a long time to get to where I am, and I have no intention of settling. I have a plan and am looking forward to seeing where my ambition will take me.

Learn more about the Journalism and Media Studies program and the Master of Communication and Media at the Rutgers School of Communication and Information on the website. 

Photos: Courtesy of Daniela Vega