FEATURE: From the Pitch to the Profession: Katherine Welch Builds Her Future Through Dual Internships

By Sandy Gholston

BIG RAPIDS, Mich. – Katherine Welch is spending a busy summer turning career aspirations into real-world experiences, balancing two internships while preparing for a professional career after Ferris State.

The Ferris State soccer standout isn't just dreaming. She's doing the work necessary to put herself on a path to success.

The Ada native is interning in the Lifestyle Department at WOOD TV8, gaining hands-on experience in television production and reporting.

"This internship is amazing. Every day brings something new, which is my favorite part," she said. "I work with Maranda, who is teaching me how to develop my reporting and interviewing skills. I am also learning so much from her colleagues. I am developing skills with cameras, editing videos, interviewing individuals and learning about the many different departments within WOOD TV8."

Welch said the WOOD TV8 internship has reinforced lessons learned in the classroom, particularly through Ferris State's coursework.

"It is connecting a lot with what I've learned in the classroom, especially this past semester in my Interviewing class with Dr. (Jennifer) Coburn," Welch said. "It was perfect timing to learn so much from Dr. Coburn herself, preparing us for how to become a great interviewee and a great interviewer."

Experiencing a newsroom in real time has provided Welch with additional perspective, who played in and started 19 games as a junior for the Bulldogs in 2025, scoring six goals with three assists for 15 points.

"I am seeing in person all the different people it takes for a reporter to be successful," said Welch, a 2025 United Soccer Coaches NCAA Division II Women's All-Midwest Region third-team honoree in NCAA Division II.

The hands-on summer experience has also given Welch a greater appreciation for the teamwork required behind every broadcast.

"Not only do reporters need to be prepared, but so does their interviewee, and their camera crew, and all the colleagues back at the station," Welch said. "It's not just a one-person show; it takes a whole sea of people, and it's important to recognize and understand each person's role within the station and to appreciate each individual for what they do."

The opportunity came after Welch discovered the internship opportunity on LinkedIn and successfully navigated a competitive application process.

"When I was applying for internships, I came across this one-of-a-kind opportunity on LinkedIn," Welch said.

The seven candidates from a pool of 20 were selected for internships, Welch said.

"I am very blessed to be a part of the group with six other fantastic students where we are exploring various departments, including News, Sports Broadcasting, Lifestyle, Meteorology and so much more," she said.

While gaining experience in broadcasting, Welch had another opportunity to expand her skill set.

She had already secured another internship with Michigan Futbol Academy, a club organization that has provided additional hands-on marketing experience.

"I am working at the Grand Rapids location," she said. "My days consist of creating Canva designs and videos for their social media accounts to promote all their different events!"

Her responsibilities extend beyond content creation.

"I also am the 'ACGR Insider,'" she said. "I report on all the different updates within the clubs and update all the families on what to prepare for during the coming week. During the United Women's Soccer (UWS) games, I run the halftime show, doing different competitions for the kids and interviewing the winners."

Welch's current efforts, including completing her Ferris State education and internships, are geared toward establishing a foundation for her future.

"The dream role would be to become a sideline reporter who handles interviews and social media, hopefully one day for soccer," Welch said. "This WOOD TV8 internship will help me develop my communication and interviewing skills. It's not just the interviews with athletes, but also the interviews with people in so many different departments and careers."

Whether she's interviewing community members for a television segment, developing social media content for a soccer organization, or competing on the field for the Bulldogs, Welch sees every opportunity as preparation for what's next.

"This is all helping me to become a more well-rounded reporter," she said.