Professional Career-Readiness Center
Welcome to the Professional Career-Readiness Center
The Professional Career-Readiness Center is an education and resource center that provides programs and services to enhance student success by creating opportunities to achieve career readiness, increase knowledge of career pathways, and connect to experiential learning such as internships and co-ops.
The Center also assists students in developing professional skills and connecting to meaningful employment through strategic partnerships and targeted events.
Individuals who utilize our programs and services learn to:
- Explore and understand career options, develop professional marketing materials, participate in the job search process, and successfully complete interviews
- Interact with business leaders, community members and employers through career-focused workshops, seminars and other networking opportunities
- Establish professional career readiness by developing and practicing competencies identified by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE)
- Participate in experiential learning programs such as internships and co-ops, in order to gain real-world, professional experience
Key services
The Center offers a wide range of services to help students and alumni tap into employment resources and opportunities:
Meet the Staff
Testimonials
"As I near graduation from Point Park University with a degree in Economics and Finance, I reflect on the invaluable support I received from the Career-Readiness Center. My journey began with the guidance of Kenneth Lawson. Kenneth helped me polish my resume to a professional standard. The revised resume helped me secure an internship at PwC, which was vital for my next steps. In addition, Michael Clarke played a key role in helping me advance my internship credits and ensure that my work experience was recognized academically. I also had the opportunity to complete a Career Preparation course in my final year with Dean Jolin. His insightful feedback on assignments improved my academic skills and prepared me for real-world challenges. The combined efforts of the Career-Readiness Center staff played a pivotal role in my growth and success at Point Park University. I am extremely grateful for their dedication and support as I prepare to embark on my professional journey." – Jaume Genovard-Sanchez ‘24
"I spent a lot of time working with the Professional Career-Readiness Center (PCRC) during my junior year. Career Counselor Monica Ritter helped me refine my resume, cover letter and interview skills. We spent time talking about the types of internships I was interested in, and she helped me lay out a timeline for applying. Shortly after, I secured my position at Cook MyoSite. I’ve been with the company since May 2022 and will start full-time employment after graduation. In addition to the help I received from the PCRC, I feel my experiences working with different offices and organizations around campus really helped my application stand out." – Mara Van Thiel '23
"In fall 2021, Michael Clarke and the rest of the staff in the Professional Career-Readiness Center encouraged me to participate in the Rowland School of Business Virtual Job Fair on Handshake to meet with several financial companies, such as First Commonwealth and First National Bank. S.R. Snodgrass was the last company I talked to at the event. Their human resources manager, Lenore Seifer, mentioned the firm had a not-for-profit division specific to offering external auditing services to nonprofit clients who need their financial operations examined. By the end of the day, I applied for the position. For my interview, I leaned on the tips I learned from the staff in the Professional Career-Readiness Center, and I was hired. I really enjoyed the work I did with Partner4Work Pittsburgh, so it was really exciting to land a job doing very similar work." – Steven Fisher ‘21
"I picked Point Park University years ago because it had everything I desired - An intimate setting, invested professors, and access to career-defining internships. Point Park is the reason I have a career in Training and Development. (Keep in mind, I did not graduate in a flourishing economy.) As an alumnus, I'm so pleased to see that PPU is still actively supporting my career. It was incredibly easy to get back in touch with Career Services. The fact that I graduated more than a decade ago did not matter. Whether you're looking for a resume refresh, advice on continued networking, or an advocate in your job hunt - take advantage of being a PPU alumnus." - Rebekah Sedwick '12
Video: The Pathway to Professional Career-Readiness
Schedule an appointment
We'll work with you in one-on-one counseling appointments at the Professional Career-Readiness Center — or by telephone or email — whichever works best with your schedule.
Our office is open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and evening appointments are also available. To schedule an appointment with a staff member, visit http://pointpark.joinhandshake.com/login. Contact us with any questions at 412-392-3950 or careerdev@pointpark.edu.
Alumni outcomes
According to the First Destination Survey of graduates from Fall 2022 - Summer 2023, administered by the Professional Career-Readiness Center via email from January 1 - 31, 2024, 85% are employed or enrolled in a program of continued education.
The Professional Career-Readiness Center provides our Alumni with a lifetime of services. We are available to work with graduates who are revising their career documents, want to practice interviewing skills, or are seeking assistance with the search and application process for their first post-graduation job or a new job opportunity. We also work with Alumni who are returning to the workforce or are considering a new career path to reach their professional goals. We are also pleased to have local partners like the JFCS-Career Services, PA Career-Link - Pittsburgh, and Robert-Half who have provided wonderful support to our students and graduates as well.
Pioneer Careers Podcast
Bringing casual career topics into everyday life conversations. Available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.
The 2023 - 2024 academic year produced 12 episodes and introduced listeners to 9 remarkable seniors (including co-host Natalea Hillen) who recently completed degrees in acting, biological sciences, broadcasting, business, cinema/film, history, marketing, multimedia, sales, and sports communication. Each of the guests shared insightful stories and addressed their goals, accomplishments, barriers, and the networking and resources they utilized in their own academic and career-readiness journeys that can shape or inspire the journeys of listeners.