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Where Are They Now? Spotlight: Katie Winkler

Where Are They Now? Spotlight: Katie Winkler

Katie Winkler, Class of 2017 

Major: Journalism with a specialization in visual communications

Minor: Public Relations

Where do you currently work and what do you do?

I work at Burson Cohn & Wolfe (formally Burson-Marsteller) in their healthcare practice. Typically, I focus on securing media placements for my clients, displaying their executives as thought leaders and writing bylines, press releases and social media content. I’ve worked on a range of clients in healthcare and corporate including Walgreens, Accenture, Intel, Bank of America, Purina, NorthShore University HealthSystem’s Center for Personalized Medicine, Fitbit and more.

How did you get your position?

I started as an intern during the Harold Burson Summer Internship Program and was hired on afterward.

What was your favorite or most useful class while in college? Why?

My most useful class was JRN 400, which was set up as a newsroom with real deadlines, creative freedom and a team structure of a real news team. Although all of my classes at MSU were beneficial, I gained my best experience through internships and my experience at The State News. 

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What do you miss most about Michigan State?

I miss Saturday tailgates in East Lansing, late nights at The State News, attending basketball games in the Izzone and being down the street from your all of your best friends. On a professional level, I miss having the opportunity to learn from and connect with professors who are so accomplished in journalism and public relations.

What is a piece of advice you’d like to give current students?

I’d encourage students to take advantage of every opportunity Michigan State has to offer – there are so many of them! Get involved with clubs and organizations that are relevant to your degree to gain additional experience, meet new people and connect with MSU alumni who have your ideal job.