How MSU PR Graduate, Evelyn Sowerby, Harnessed Elective Courses to Start a Meaningful Career
By: Olivia Rosbolt
Evelyn Sowerby, a 2024 Michigan State University public relations graduate, has taken her long-term passion for community and social issues and turned them into a career. Today, Sowerby works in communications and development at a community action agency. She works with media organizations for earned news coverage and helps secure grant funding.
“I originally started out as a psychology major and then I switched when I was in my second semester of sophomore year to PR. I just was interested in that, and I think that really helped me take the path that my career has gone,” said Sowerby.
Starting out with a psychology background and then switching into PR with a social science cognate allowed Sowerby to discover what she was passionate about. She then took elective courses that set her up for success in the field. While in college, Sowerby says she made an effort to take classes outside of her major to strengthen her skills.
“My PR degree and all of those classes helped me so much, but I think that often people miss out on taking classes outside of their major that can set them up for success,” said Sowerby.
Sowerby discussed how MSU has a fantastic ADPR program, as well as the entirety of the College of Communication Arts and Sciences.
“I took a few journalism classes, and those helped me. I learned great skills there about interviewing people and being on camera. Those skills helped set me apart and were useful in all of the jobs I’ve had post-grad,” said Sowerby.
Sowerby discussed how she uses her knowledge in interviewing and communication from the journalism classes daily at her post-grad job. Her communication skills allow her to engage effectively with people to gain resources and obtain coverage from media outlets.
The MSU PR program offered Sowerby the skills she needed to pursue her PR career; however, by taking advantage of the many different programs and classes offered at MSU, Sowerby was able to broaden her horizons, leading her to greater success as an alumna.
Within the PR program, cognates allow students to discover where their passions lie. Check out the PR program cognate options here at https://reg.msu.edu/academicprograms/ProgramDetail.aspx?Program=PUBREL_BA1
