After Roles with Facebook, Clif Bar and Twitter, SAEM Alumna Christine Schell Catalyzes Crowdfunding Success Alumni Profile
Meet Christine Schell '15
- Job Title & Employer
- Performance marketing manager, Backerkit
- Major/Program
- Sports, Arts & Entertainment Management
- College Activities
- Strong Women Strong Girls and Campus Activities Board
- Hometown
- Pittsburgh, Pa.; Perry High School
- Now Living In
- San Francisco, Calif.
- Hobbies & Interests
- Live music, hiking and skiing
"The SAEM program prepared me for success by incorporating internships into the curriculum my junior and senior year. Learning in the classroom is important for building foundational knowledge, but applying that knowledge to a real-world environment as a student, where you have the space to ask questions, fail forward and build connections, is crucial to students' professional development."
What have you been up to since graduating from Point Park?
Through my internships at Pittsburgh Magazine and the Andy Warhol Museum during my time at Point Park, I landed roles at both companies following graduation. After working in marketing in Pittsburgh for three years and expanding my knowledge of social media, I decided to take a leap and break into the tech industry in San Francisco. I've held social media marketing roles at Clif Bar & Company, Facebook and Twitter, focusing on influencer marketing, paid advertising and branding. These experiences helped me navigate my way to my current role at Backerkit, a crowdfunding start-up.
Describe your job at Backerkit and what you enjoy about it.
I buy digital advertising on a variety of platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Google and TikTok, to support creators launching projects via crowdfunding services, such as Kickstarter. I strategize with creators to maximize their project funding goals through creative and targeted ad campaigns. The best part of my role is that every ad strategy is unique, as I work across a variety of project categories, such as tabletop games, art, video games, tarot and more. All in one day I can be marketing a card game, kitchen cookware and a pair of headphones!
What are some of the most interesting projects you've helped support through your role?
The best part of working in the crowdfunding space is how creative the ideas are and how passionate creators and their online communities can be. I've worked on successful projects for Youtube stars Viva La Dirt League and ARcana Augmented Reality with Pittsburgh native and actor Joe Manganiello. Some of my favorites include the wildly hilarious game Dumpster Fire Party and the innovative microwave tool Duo Cover. A lot of the projects our team works on allow us to be really playful and punchy with advertising.
How did Point Park's SAEM program prepare you for career success?
The SAEM program prepared me for success by incorporating internships into the curriculum my junior and senior year. Learning in the classroom is important for building foundational knowledge, but applying that knowledge to a real-world environment as a student, where you have the space to ask questions, fail forward and build connections, is crucial to students' professional development.
What did you like about attending school in Downtown Pittsburgh?
It was the best of both worlds! I was able to have the college experience of living on campus and participating in clubs and organizations while embracing an urban lifestyle and exploring a city through live music, sports, theater and dining.
Why would you recommend Point Park to a prospective student?
Point Park's central location in Pittsburgh allows students to tap into a vast range of professional opportunities. With the University's small class sizes, you get to personally know, work with and learn from other students who eventually become your professional network or even your colleagues. Point Park also has a strong, welcoming alumni network.
What advice do you have for current students?
I love the quote, "If you are the smartest person in the room, you are in the wrong room." Make sure you are are putting yourself in environments that showcase your talents while encouraging your continuous learning. Connect with mentors, network as much as possible and seek guidance from colleagues, management and thought leaders within your company and industry.