On-Campus Career Event Connects Students to Internships and Jobs Thursday, February 21, 2013

Michael Cerchiaro, education programs manager for the Pittsburgh CLO, discusses internship opportunities with a student.

More than 200 students in search of internships and jobs attended Point Park's Sports, Arts and Entertainment Management Career Event on Feb. 12. The event was held right on campus, at the University's Student Center.

From Highmark Stadium and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra to Radio Disney and WTAE-TV, students had the opportunity to network with a wide range of representatives from the sport, arts and entertainment management industries.

"An event like this is important for students to attend because networking is often the key to finding an internship or job. Students can begin building relationships with recruiters so that when they apply for a position they have a better chance of landing an interview," said Angela Scaramucci, coordinator of employer relations for the Career Development Center at Point Park.

For sophomore SAEM major Samantha Crowe, networking played a strong role in helping her land an internship with Stage AE.

"My first meeting with someone from Stage AE was at last year's career event. This initial connection eventually led to my marketing and promotions internship with them," explained Crowe.

"There are always great candidates coming out of Point Park. The SAEM program is amazing," remarked Michael Cerchiaro, education programs manager for the Pittsburgh CLO. "Recently, several of the students working for us have turned their internships into full-time jobs."

The career event also included half-hour panel sessions with leading business professionals from the Pittsburgh Riverhounds, CBS Radio, The Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Comcast Spotlight and more. Following the sessions, students had the opportunity to network with the seasoned professionals.

"I came to the career event to broaden my horizons. It's important for me to network with different types of employers and get my name out there," said Evan Schall, a junior double majoring in business management and sport, arts and entertainment management.

Expanding upon last year, this year's event included an accessory table to assist students with professional appearance as well as an on-site photo booth for students to get professional headshots taken for their LinkedIn profiles.

"As a follow-up to the event, we teach students networking skills and how to stay in touch with recruiters after they meet them," explained Scaramucci. "We encourage students to schedule an appointment with a career counselor for a mock interview so that they feel confident and prepared prior to going on a real interview."