Evan Katz is a graduating senior at Michigan State University, earning a degree in journalism with a concentration in sports journalism. Originally from West Bloomfield, Michigan, Katz plans to pursue a career in public relations and communications following graduation.
This summer, he will begin a communications internship with Visit Detroit. Katz credits his time at MSU for providing him with transformative opportunities and experiences and he looks forward to what the future holds. He often reflects on a favorite quote from Mrs. Frizzle: “Take chances, make mistakes, and get messy”—words he believes are essential not just in college, but in life.
On the banks of the Red Cedar, there’s a school that’s known to all. Its opportunities are vast, helping its people go anywhere. (Yes, I am aware that’s not the words.)
Here at Michigan State, there are over 100 student-registered organizations and 23 varsity sports: opportunities for excitement and exploration for everyone.
I’m graduating this spring with a degree in journalism and honestly, I’m so excited and proud of everything I’ve accomplished and explored. After all, college is the place to do just that.
When I was a kid, I’d sit in front of the TV trying to call games, play-by-play style. (Yes, really — you can laugh, it’s fine.) I started college focused on broadcast journalism but eventually shifted to sports journalism. Along the way, I was lucky to try a bunch of different things.
Study abroad in Paris and Rome
One of my favorite experiences was a study abroad trip to Paris and Rome during my freshman year, where we explored how sports media works in Europe. The trip was led by Professor Joanne Gerstner and the experience cracked my world wide open. This opportunity was great learning about other cultures and seeing the differences between here and there was fascinating. You can read about some of the adventures we had. I strongly recommend taking a study abroad somewhere during your time, Michigan State offers the No. 1 study abroad program, so take advantage.
That was also one of my first times far away from home — 3,962 miles, to be exact. But it was an absolute blast.
Covering community stories
That’s just one example of the opportunities I’ve had at MSU. Through the journalism program, I wrote feature pieces on the esports teams and covered city council meetings and local stories. Those experiences taught me the value of creativity — and that community is at the heart of everything we do. A life lesson I learned is that everyone has a story; you just must go out and find it. For example, even when sitting at the bus stop, try to create conversation with fellow Spartans you never know what connections and or ideas can come out of it.
Sports broadcasting opportunities on campus
I’ve been with WDBM (Impact 89FM) since freshman year, starting as an on-air DJ. I had some radio experience from high school at WBFH “The Biff” in Bloomfield Hills. At WDBM, I’ve done everything from beat writing for the MSU baseball team to helping make sure our sports broadcasts get on the air and sound great.
I also had the chance to work with Big Ten Plus and Spartan Vision, which let me try things I never pictured myself doing. I got behind the camera, worked the replay wheel and picked up all kinds of production skills. I learned how much teamwork, communication and planning it takes to make a broadcast run smoothly.
Cheering on the Spartans
And speaking of sports — I didn’t just cover them; I lived for them. I was always the one showing up hours early to get the best view in the house. A few games stand out: the Michigan vs. Michigan State game in 2021 (yes, I camped out at 8:30 p.m. the night before for a noon kickoff) and the frigid Penn State game when it was “snowing buckets”, as my friend put it. Oh and I’ll never forget the Big Ten Hockey Championship last year—I was so nervous, I nearly passed out.
Exploring new career paths
College changed my career goals. In May 2024, I started a new chapter working with Michigan State University Communications and Marketing. There, I learned how important strategic communication is when trying to deliver a message that connects with people. I saw how internal and external communications work, how to collaborate with media and how to publish content online— all tools I’ll take with me into the professional world. A lot of journalism skills I have learned are easily transferred in this field of work as well.
As I get ready to graduate, here’s my best advice to anyone still figuring it out: Try everything. Dip your toes into as many things as you can. Explore because now is your time to do it. Believe in yourself—you can do it if you put your mind to it. Spartan Forever.
