June 16, 2025
Classroom to Careers: Dylan Rider uses Ferris State Torch experience to launch a career in Major League Baseball with the Cincinnati Reds
Dylan Rider dreamed about working in the world of sports communications, but never suspected he’d get the call to the major leagues right after graduating from Ferris State University.
Rider, who graduated in May with a bachelor’s degree in Sports Communications, is spending the summer as an intern with Major League Baseball’s Cincinnati Reds.
“The biggest thing I want to learn is just how to work in a professional sports environment,” Rider said. “I want to be able to match or exceed the standard for communication employees in the sports industry so I can carve out a career later.”
The Sparta native works in the Reds’ Communications Department, where he writes weekly recaps of games from their minor-league affiliates, highlights successful players from the previous week, writes feature stories, edits copy, writes promotional materials, and assists other departments with their duties.
“My impressions of the job have been great thus far,” he said. “I've received a healthy mix of daily work with some special things popping up here and there. It's more than I hoped for, for sure. I'm extremely grateful, fortunate, and excited to be in the role that I am."
His projects so far include a story on the Reds’ website about the team’s recognition of MLB’s Lou Gehrig Day and its collaboration with the ALS Triple Play Initiative. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is a progressive neurodegenerative disease often called “Lou Gehrig’s Disease” and MLB each year uses the day to raise awareness and raise funds for research to fight the affliction.
Rider was editor of the Ferris State Torch newspaper, and often covered Bulldog athletics, including traveling to McKinney, Texas for the NCAA Division II National Championship game in 2022 won by Ferris State and coordinating coverage of the 2024 title.
He used his Multimedia Journalism minor to gain hands-on experience in reporting and storytelling.
“I don't think I would've had the opportunity to flex as much sports writing as I did without the exceptionalism of Ferris State sports,” Rider said. “There was a lot to cover and a lot of opportunity that came with that.”
Rider plans to build a lifelong career in the sports industry and credits his time at Ferris State with preparing him.
He secured the internship by proactively applying to numerous positions through the sports industry job site “TeamWorkOnline,” applying for any opening that looked interesting to him. The Reds were the first team to reach out to him with an offer.
Surrounded by the world of sports through both academics and hands-on experience, he’s confident that his passion for the field will never fade.
As he’s spoken with employers, many commented on his work ethic and credit Ferris State’s training.
“I just want to be involved in sports for the rest of my life,” Dylan stated. “I'm a firm believer that if you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life.”