Katie Krause G'08
Q: Tell us about your career path and where you are today.
A: Since I was in middle school, I knew that I wanted to work in sports. I used to love listening to and watching Bob Costas and was fascinated by his wealth of knowledge and the way he delivered the information during games. He was a big reason why I chose to pursue a career in the sports industry and why I chose to attend graduate school at Syracuse University. I was fortunate enough to have several internships throughout my undergraduate program, including three internships within Spurs Sports & Entertainment, which ultimately led to a full-time position there when I graduated from Syracuse. I spent four years full time handling media relations for the San Antonio Rampage (American Hockey League) under the Spurs Sports & Entertainment umbrella before moving on to the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2012. With the D-backs, I handled all corporate communications efforts, and in 2021 I made the move from the desert back to the East Coast to work with the Baltimore Orioles as the Public Relations Director.
Q: How did your SU experience prepare you for your career?
A: I knew I wanted to pursue a career in public relations for a professional sports team, however, my undergraduate program only offered one public relations class at St. Mary's University. After doing some research, I found that Syracuse had not only one of the top communications schools in the country but also a long list of prominent alumni working in sports-centric careers, including Bob Costas. I knew that being a part of that same education experience and network would open up a world of opportunities for me. My degree at Syracuse required an internship to graduate and through the alumni network I was able to find an internship with a Syracuse alumna, Katie Leighton, who has her own public relations agency. That internship experience allowed me to work with baseball legend Curt Schilling and his wife Shonda on their charitable efforts as well as work with baseball Hall of Famer and late Yankees legend Whitey Ford during the MLB All-Star festivities in New York. I have continued to meet and work with several Syracuse alumni along the way and because of that connection, I truly believe it has helped me in many aspects of my career.
Q: Looking back, what SU experiences have been the most meaningful to you?
A: I was only there for the 13-month graduate program, but it was intense but inspiring. What I loved most is the connections and relationships I built there, in particular having seven other friends in the program in which we were practically inseparable. Being able to explore upstate New York together made for a truly unforgettable experience and one that I greatly cherish. I still keep in touch with many of them and am so proud of how we all have done such great things since our time together at Syracuse.
Q: Why do you feel that it is important to remain connected to the alumni network and the University?
A: There are so many successful alumni in the Syracuse network and a community I am very proud to be a part of. The Syracuse University name, and in particular the Newhouse School, carries a lot of weight especially in the communications and sports industries.
Q: What advice would you give students?
A. Networking and experience are key, however work ethic and passion are what will carry you throughout your career. Gain as much internship and volunteer experience as possible to help you figure out where your passion is and land that first full-time role. Your Syracuse network will also help in many ways throughout your career both initially and for the rest of your career journey. Ultimately if you work hard and treat people kindly and ethically, you will find success. You have to love what you do and genuinely enjoy the people around you in order to have a fulfilling life and career.