(August 29, 2019) Dominic Miranda could teach a master class on building relationships in sports broadcasting. Professional friendships were key in Miranda landing his new position as a sports MMJ at WTHI-TV in Terre Haute, IN.
Miranda graduated this spring from DePauw University.
“As I was searching for jobs my senior year of college, I was looking anywhere and everywhere for job postings,” Miranda recalls. “I started utilizing STAA’s service in January of 2019 and the constant job leads were extremely helpful. That’s where I first saw the position in Terre Haute.”
Fortunately, Miranda had already had contact with the station prior to the opening. “The News Director, Susan Dinkel, graduated from DePauw so she was a part of my alumni networking outreach I did my senior year. The Sports Director, Rick Semler recently won Indiana Sportscaster of the year and I just wanted him to see my reel. It was a perfect storm and I was hired very shortly after all this transpired.”
The WTHI staffers were far from the only people to whom Miranda introduced himself. “I had also reached out to almost 100 DePauw alumni and multiple Indianapolis sports personalities as well,” he says. “There’s nothing to lose when you humble yourself and ask for help from people are successful in the industry. More times than not, they are extremely willing to help a young sportscaster.”
Among the folks with whom Miranda ended up meeting were Indiana Pacers Radio Voice Mark Boyle and TV Voice Chris Denari, and veteran Indianapolis sportscaster Greg Rakestraw, In fact, he met all three in one day!
“Not only did I receive invaluable guidance and advice from these individuals, but two of them also made calls to Terre Haute on my behalf,” says Miranda.
Miranda joined STAA upon the recommendations of Northwest Arkansas Naturals Radio Voice Benjamin Kelly and New Mexico State University TV Broadcaster Adam Young. “When I met with Mark Boyle of the Pacers, he also mentioned STAA’s service. It made me feel good to tell him I was already a part of it,” Miranda smiles.
“I needed to get ahead of job leads and wanted to learn extra tips and strategies for navigating the job market. STAA helps me with little things like what to include on my demo reel and what tips and tricks there are to becoming a better sportscaster. It has undoubtedly made me sharpen my skills even after I began my job. There are things I read and put into practice, and I believe this has made me stand out in my current position.
“I truly have STAA to thank for assisting in landing me my first job.”
(Visit Dominic’s STAA Talent Page).