Get Career-Ready with: Jared Topping '24, Marketing and Sales Major Student Profile

Why did you choose Point Park University?

After being recruited by schools across the country to play basketball, I visited Point Park in February of 2020. I fell in love with the city and the campus. I enjoyed my conversations with the coaching staff and decided to sign later that April.

What do you like about Point Park’s Marketing & Sales program?

Point Park's marketing and sales program helped me find my passion for selling while taking a wide variety of courses across many different majors. Without being able to be so exploratory with my course selections, I'm not sure I would be doing what I am now. My favorite course I have taken at Point Park would have to be Psychology of Personality because it's something I wouldn't have studied normally. I enjoyed it quite a bit.

Which faculty members have had a significant impact on you?

Professor Robert Derda, M.S., chair of the Department of Sports, Arts, Entertainment & Music Business, has been a great help to me in my search for a job. He is always around to meet with me and discuss how my interviews are going. Professor Dorene Ciletti, Ph.D., director of the marketing and sales program, has been a large part of my entire time here as she has been my academic advisor, and I've taken many of her classes. Both professors have helped me make great connections in the sports industry.

How did your involvement in athletics enhance your college experience?

Playing basketball the past four years at Point Park, I have met some great teammates who will be lifelong friends. It's also been exciting to have the experience of playing basketball at one of the highest levels in the world. It was always my dream as a kid to play college basketball so when given the opportunity, I could not decline.

@pointparku Let Jared Topping '24 bring you behind the scenes of what it's like to get career-ready at Point Park as a graduating Marketing and Sales major! 👏🤩🏀 Full Q&A at pointpark.edu ✨ #GRWM #GetReadyWithMe #PointParkUniversity #PointParkU #MarketingMajor #SalesMajor ♬ original sound - Point Park Univ.

Tell us about the internship you’ve had and how it enhanced your education.

Last summer I worked for the Pittsburgh Riverhounds in the United Soccer League. I gained great experience in the sports industry and learned more about what a potential career looks like for me. I found a passion for sports sales and will continue to work in that field for the foreseeable future.

What do you like about living and learning in Pittsburgh?

Living in Downtown Pittsburgh, everything you need is in walking distance of you. In my four years, I have never had a car on campus. My favorite thing about Pittsburgh is how much there is to do just in downtown and even just on campus around Point Park.

What are some of your favorite restaurants and things to do around the city?

My favorite restaurant is by far The Eagle. It's a homestyle, southern restaurant in the Cultural District. I also like to take advantage of Point Park's proximity to four professional sports venues, as well as other collegiate teams that play just a few minutes away.

How has Point Park made you career-ready?

My professors have done a great job of assisting me in anything I needed, whether that be making a connection or just answering questions I had about the interview process. Without Professors Robert Derda or Dorene Clietti, I would have no idea how to get started on a career in sports.

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Point Park's marketing and sales degree program has been recognized again by the Sales Education Foundation as a Top Sales University.

• Learn more about our hands-on program.
• Check out the Michael P. Pitterich Sales & Innovation Center, located right on campus in West Penn Hall, home of the Rowland School of Business.

 

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Connect with Jared Topping '24

More About: Rowland School of Business, student athletes, athletics, Downtown Pittsburgh, Get Career-Ready, Pittsburgh Riverhounds, marketing and sales, Pittsburgh, faculty