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Pictured is Cortnie Phillips. Submitted photo

Meet Cortnie Phillips

Major/Program
Public Relations & Advertising
Graduation
April 2021
College Activities
AdFed, Art Club and Pioneer Ambassador
Scholarships
Presidential Transfer and Andrew Bernhard Scholarship
Hometown
Beaver, Pa.
High School
Beaver Area High School
Hobbies & Interests
House plants and art museums

"Being a transfer student from a large, state school in Ohio, I took a lot of time looking at my options. The fact that Point Park was directly in Downtown Pittsburgh, close to so many job opportunities and holds strong relationships with local businesses made the choice pretty easy. I was tired of feeling like a number within my lectures and coming to Point Park I have made close relationships with not only other students, but also my professors as well."

Cortnie Phillips

What is the American Advertising Federation Pittsburgh Scholarship and what does receiving this award mean to you?

The AAF Pittsburgh Scholarship is usually a one-time award of about $1,000 to a college student residing in western Pennslyvania. This year I was the recipient of a $5,000 award from the scholarship committee and I can’t fully express how thankful I am. Global pandemic aside, I was going to have to pay for this final year of college on my own, and to receive this means that I won’t have to struggle to ensure that this year is paid for. This means that I can get another internship in the spring or work towards a position within my career field, not just work to pay for school.

What factors made you choose Point Park University’s School of Communication?

Being a transfer student from a large, state school in Ohio, I took a lot of time looking at my options. The fact that Point Park was directly in Downtown Pittsburgh, close to so many job opportunities and holds strong relationships with local businesses made the choice pretty easy. I was tired of feeling like a number within my lectures and coming to Point Park I have made close relationships with not only other students, but also my professors as well. The small class sizes have made such a difference, so I no longer have these feelings and even have a family within my major.

What are some of your favorite college experiences thus far?

My favorite college experience has been working with the Office of Student Activities, Involvement, and Leadership (SAIL) to run the SAIL Club Showdown every January. During the three-day event, clubs compete to win extra funding for the semester through various games. I had the chance to direct the mural painting competition the past two years. It’s lots of time together as an office, and it’s always a great time planning it and seeing it come to life.

What advice do you have for high school juniors and seniors considering Point Park?

Think about what you want out of college — know how you learn and think of future opportunities. If you want to go to school where you aren’t a number and can achieve your goals, then Point Park should be on your list.

What are your career goals?

To finish my undergrad and work for a local advertising agency, preferably within the social media realm or to find a mentor to work on entering the world of data analytics within advertising. A long-term goal is to get my master’s, but I will cross that bridge once I hone in on my niche.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Remember to put yourself first when it comes to choosing a college. So many students are swayed by other opinions, but it will be you there for four years and not anyone else. Make sure to love your choice.