Anchor on CNN en Español: My Gig

I started my career in Costa Rica, and from there I started trying to contact stations in the United States. Was it easy? Not at all.

First, I prayed for wisdom to follow the correct steps. I had a lot of patience and persistence, and most importantly, my husband, who was always supporting and encouraging me.

I found out information about possible openings. The problem was I didn’t have a work visa. Finally I got good advice from an American producer who came to Costa Rica: make a bunch of demo tapes, send them everywhere, make a lot of calls, and even trips to some stations.

One day in September of 1996, I received a letter from CNN. They got my tape, saw it and liked it!

Then I came for an interview and an audition.

I started on March 1997, eleven years ago.

CW: What do you like most about your job?

Umaña: I love being a journalist. The best thing is learning all the time in different situations and especially through interviewing all kinds of people.

This is, at the same time, a big responsibility that I take seriously.

CW: What do you not like?

Umaña: The schedules. In this type of job, holidays don’t exist. I worked the weekends for six years. It’s a sacrifice but worth it.

CW: How much money do you make?

 Umaña: Because of our contracts, we are not allowed to discuss how much money we make. I can tell you it has been enough to pay for our children’s college. They are graduating this year. I can’t be more proud. Family is the best thing in life.

Photo courtesy of CNN

My Gig is a series of stories about different careers. Trying to figure out what to do when you grow up? My Gig, which provides a quick glimpse into a person’s work life, may inspire you!