At OMG23, SAEM Alumna Sophia Duff Works on Media Planning for ABC Entertainment Alumni Profile
Meet Sophia Duff '19
- Job Title & Employer
- Assistant Media Planner, OMG23 x ABC Entertainment
- Major/Program
- Sports, Arts & Entertainment Management
- Hometown
- Ashburn, Va.
- High School
- Briar Woods High School
- Now Living In
- Los Angeles, Ca.
- Hobbies & Interests
- Playing volleyball and frisbee, going to baseball games and riding motorcycles
"Point Park has helped me prepare for my career in many ways, but the main lesson I got from my professors is networking. Without their constant push, tips and tricks, I don’t think I would be as well-versed in networking as I am today. Networking has helped me get every single job I have applied for."
What does your role entail at OMG23?
At OMG23, we are an advertising agency contracted by Disney to handle their in-house media planning. I personally am on the ABC Entertainment team. As an assistant media planner, I work with my team to strategize concise media plans for shows on the ABC lineup.
What is your favorite project you've worked on?
I think my favorite project I have worked on is "The Bachelorette" because it’s such an interesting show. I actually don’t watch any shows in the Bachelor Nation realm, but they’re so fun to work on because you never know what you’re going to get every season.
How did Point Park help prepare you for your career?
Point Park helped me prepare for my career in many ways, but the main lesson I learned from my professors is networking. Without their constant push, tips and tricks, I don’t think I would be as well-versed in networking as I am today. Networking has helped me get every single job I have applied for.
You've completed a variety of internships, including roles at Live Nation Entertainment and Warner Bros. Entertainment. What did you do at those internships?
I always knew I wanted to work in film and television, but interning at Live Nation taught me a whole side of the entertainment industry that I didn’t really consider for myself. My internship at Live Nation made me a more well-rounded candidate when applying to jobs because I understood the different realms within entertainment.
Warner Bros. Entertainment was my favorite internship. It opened a lot of doors for me, and I met some really interesting people that I now consider my lifelong friends. Along with the amazing opportunity I got from my internship at Warner Bros., I also learned what I didn’t want to do, which I think is one of the most valuable lessons I could have learned.
You transferred to Point Park after attending Northern Virginia Community College. What was the transition to the University like?
The transition was great and really smooth! The staff was very welcoming and the University made sure I was fully prepared for my first day. They had a separate transfer student orientation that was incredibly beneficial because it catered towards transfer students instead of incoming freshmen.
What did you like about the SAEM program?
My favorite thing about the SAEM program was the fact that they always had guest speakers coming in, and the classes were incredibly hands-on. I feel that the guest speakers were one of the most valuable ways the faculty helped us because they brought in many people of different professions within SAEM.
One way that Point Park stands out from other universities is how well they work with the city and businesses within it. The professors had connections at most places within the SAEM community in Pittsburgh.
Why would you recommend Point Park to a prospective student?
I recommend the SAEM program because not only is it hands-on and a great experience, but the faculty really are your personal cheerleaders. They’re always there to give advice when you need them, and I feel that is an incredibly valuable trait. Not only that, but since the school is so small, it allows for more one-on-one experience with professors and students.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Even if you’re hesitant to apply for a job you don’t feel you’re qualified for, just do it. Even if you don’t get that job, you never know what doors that application can open for you. Also, make sure you don’t make typos in your email on your resume – I speak from personal experience.