Get Career-Ready with: Natalie Caine '25, Interdisciplinary Studies Major and Photography Minor

Meet Natalie Caine '25

Major/Program: Interdisciplinary Studies
Minor: Photography
College Activities: Apprenticeship with the University marketing department
Hometown: Bear, Del.
High School: Caravel Academy
Dream Job: Creative director at a well-known art museum or working for an engaging position for a nonprofit
Hobbies & Interests: Guitar, photography, art, music, skiing, nature and trying and learning new things

"The interdisciplinary studies major at Point Park has allowed me to pursue a multitude of fields that interest me. I am able to gain critical insight and experience through a creative lens. Point Park has given me a truly unique educational opportunity."

Natalie Caine '25

What led you to Point Park University?

I remember coming to Pittsburgh for the first time to visit a friend and I immediately fell in love with the city. I had recently transferred out of another school, so I started looking into and applying to various colleges in and nearby Pittsburgh. Point Park was the school I was drawn to because a smaller university best fit my needs, and I saw that Point Park had a great photography department and programs I was interested in studying.

Describe your experience as a transfer student.

I transferred out of another school my freshman year and started taking community college classes before I found Point Park. I felt like I was behind compared to everyone else in my class, and I was worried I wasn’t going to find "my people." During my transfer orientation, I met someone who is now one of my closest friends here, Courtney. She and our mutual friend Liv, who I met in one of my first classes here, and I are planning on getting a place together in Pittsburgh after we graduate.

What do you like about being an interdisciplinary studies major?

When I came to Point Park, I had many interests so it was difficult at first to pick one major. I looked into marketing & sales and psychology, but I wanted to do both! The interdisciplinary studies major allows me to study 2-3 different disciplines under one major, which is perfect for me. Plus, I've added a photography minor to further customize my education.

I’ve been able to explore a wide range of different classes, such as Contemporary Portraiture with Richard Kelly, which was an amazing class to take. This semester, I’m taking Creativity & Product Innovation for my marketing discipline. I'm really looking forward to this class as it’s already been super engaging, and I know this class will be helpful for my future.

After I found out that interdisciplinary studies was the perfect major for me and my passions, everything slowly started to come together. I feel like I am at the right place at the right time in my life right now. The interdisciplinary studies major at Point Park has allowed me to pursue a multitude of fields that interest me. I am able to gain critical insight and experience through a creative lens. Point Park has given me a truly unique educational opportunity.

You have an apprenticeship as a photographer for the University marketing department. How has that experience enhanced your education?

It’s been such a great opportunity and experience. I’ve met amazing people within the workplace and through my various photography assignments, from providing campus event coverage to taking headshots of faculty, students and alumni. My managers in the department have helped connect me to places around the city for internships and future job opportunities, which I’m very thankful for.

@pointparku Get Career-Ready with Interdisciplinary Studies major and Photography minor, Natalie Caine '25! Follow along to see how Natalie found her home at Point Park as a transfer student. Full Q&A at the link in our bio under “Get Career-Ready”! ✨📸 #GRWM #GetReadyWithMe #PointParkUniversity #PointParkU #PhotoTok #Phototography #PhotographyTok ♬ original sound - Point Park Univ.

What do you like about going to school in Downtown Pittsburgh?

There are so many opportunities surrounding you in Downtown Pittsburgh. For me, I love being so close to all the big museums in the city, which has allowed me to explore my passions. I also love how Downtown Pittsburgh is small enough that I don’t have to walk far to get to classes, meet with friends or get some fresh air at Point State Park.

What are some of the destinations around the city you recommend other students visit?

There are quite a few places around the city I highly suggest! In Downtown Pittsburgh, I recommend visiting Nicholas Coffee & Tea Co. That's where I get my loose-leaf tea from, and it’s always amazing. There’s also Rock 'n’ Joe, a rock 'n' roll-themed cafe on Penn Avenue. I’ve studied there a few times with friends, and I love the atmosphere. Since I have my car here in the city, it’s easier to get around to explore other neighborhoods in Pittsburgh, like Lawrenceville and Shadyside. I love finding small businesses around the city that sell cute, handmade items from local artists. Pittsburgh also offers some amazing flea markets and farmers markets.

Why would you recommend Point Park to a prospective student?

Point Park is perfect for someone who prefers a smaller school where you’re able to have close relationships with your professors and others in the University community. Those connections are extremely helpful when trying to figure out what you want to do when you graduate. I also appreciate being in Downtown Pittsburgh. I’m not the biggest city person, but Downtown Pittsburgh feels a lot more down to earth compared to other cities I've visited. There are also such amazing communities here at school, and I love witnessing students find “their people,” which isn’t always easy, especially as a transfer student.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Speaking from experience – if you're coming to a completely new city not knowing anyone with little to no idea of what you want to do with your life, you really need to trust the process! College is one of the most challenging, busiest times of our lives and it’s not easy to go through alone, so allow people to help you through it. You’re doing better than you think, and don’t expect the process to go perfectly. Put in the effort and trust that everything that’s meant to be will work itself out.