PR & Advertising Degree Prepares Alumna for Communications Roles at Alcoa, Senator John Heinz History Center and Michael Baker International Alumni Profile
Meet Kim Roberts '15
- Job Title & Employer
- Corporate Communications Specialist, Michael Baker International
- Major/Program
- Public Relations & Advertising
- Minor
- Multimedia
- College Activities
- PRSSA, The Globe, The Body Christian Fellowship, Honors Program
- Hometown
- Elizabeth, Pa.
- High School
- Wilson Christian Academy
- Now Living In
- Pittsburgh, Pa.
- Hobbies & Interests
- Traveling, seeing Broadway musicals, exploring Pittsburgh
"Point Park’s coursework and faculty did an incredible job of preparing me for my career in communications. The classes I took taught me all of the essential skills for a communications professional, from AP Style to Photoshop, which prepared me for the internships that led to my first full-time job."
Tell us about your career path since graduating from Point Park University.
After graduation, I completed a summer internship with Alcoa that turned into my first full-time job that fall. I spent two years managing Alcoa’s social media accounts and supporting the larger communications team as the company separated into Alcoa Corporation and Arconic. I worked with an incredibly talented team and got hands-on experience in digital communications, branding and organizational change.
I spent the next four years on the marketing and communications team at the Senator John Heinz History Center, where I had the opportunity to develop my skills in media relations, writing and editing, and social media management for the History Center and its family of museums. During my time there, I helped promote blockbuster Smithsonian exhibitions like Destination Moon: The Apollo 11 Mission and even got to meet singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran when he stopped by to visit the “ketchup museum.”
My experience in both corporate and nonprofit communications led me to my current role as a corporate communications specialist at Michael Baker International, a leading provider of engineering and consulting services based in Downtown Pittsburgh.
What are your responsibilities in your new role?
In my new role at Michael Baker, I’m focused on internal communications for the company’s more than 3,000 employees across nearly 100 locations. My job is to create engaging content that highlights the company’s people, projects and innovations – all to help strengthen employees’ shared sense of community. Michael Baker is committed to making a difference by helping to solve complex challenges for clients and communities, and I’m proud to be part of the team.
How did Point Park’s coursework and faculty prepare you for your career?
Point Park’s coursework and faculty did an incredible job of preparing me for my career in communications. The classes I took taught me all of the essential skills for a communications professional, from AP Style to Photoshop, which prepared me for the internships that led to my first full-time job.
I owe so much to my professors, who were always there to answer questions, make connections and cheer me on. Special thanks to Helen Fallon, Bob O’Gara, Camille Downing and Heather Starr Fiedler for their support during my time as a student and after graduation!
What are your favorite memories as a student at Point Park?
My favorite memory from my time as a Point Park student was the trip I took to Europe as part of my International Media class. After a semester of learning about the media landscape in Europe, my classmates and I spent an unforgettable two weeks exploring London, Paris and Northern France. We met and learned from communications professionals at companies including The Guardian, Ketchum and Disneyland Paris, plus we had the opportunity to go sightseeing on tours led by our amazing guide, Vincent.
What advice do you have for prospective students?
It’s OK if you get to college and don’t know exactly what you want to do with your life. You’ll have so many opportunities at Point Park to get involved and figure out what you love. Write for the school newspaper, take a broadcast journalism class, do as many internships as you can and find out where your strengths are. The best way to figure out your path is to dive right in!
More About: multimedia, internships, School of Communication Alumni, public relations and advertising, School of Communication, AdFed/PRSSA, Honors Program, The Globe, success story, faculty, transfer, alumni