Q&A with Apprentice Maia McDonald

What attracted you to this job?

I was looking for reporting positions where I could learn about and practice equitable investigative journalism. It can be hard to pursue investigative projects on your own as a freelancer, so finding somewhere I would have lots of support to grow as a journalist was important.

What’s your favorite part about being an apprentice?

I like having the time to really dig into the stories we’re working on—to research how issues of race and equity can impact so many different facets of our lives. ... I love the process it takes to get there.

What advice do you have for other young journalists aspiring to enter the field?

Look for opportunities that will allow you to get bylines. The more you can work with real journalism organizations, the easier it will be to get future opportunities that can be instrumental in propelling your career

What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about you?

I’m a fraternal twin! People are always surprised since we aren’t identical. She’s an artist and I’m a writer, so we’ve always talked about working on an illustrated children’s book together one day.