Get Career-Ready with: Natalia Zucco '23, Legal Studies Major and Psychology Minor Student Profile
Meet Natalia Zucco '23
- Major/Program
- Legal Studies
- Minor
- Psychology
- College Activities
- Women's track & field and cross country
- Hometown
- Greensburg, Pa.
- High School
- Greensburg Salem High School
- Dream Job
- Lawyer
- Hobbies & Interests
- Being around friends and family, traveling, trying new coffee shops, cooking, yoga and writing
"There’s a great opportunity to learn at Point Park, and not just in the classroom. Beyond learning about your major, you learn about people, relationships, society and yourself. There are so many students representative of different communities, cultures and countries. Point Park's environment fosters opportunities for students to develop new ideas and realize how much there is to explore and experience in this world."
What are the three things you love most about Point Park University and why?
Point Park is such a dynamic school, and I really don’t think I would have a remotely similar experience anywhere else. Three things I love are:
- The diversity that exists in our school - Our diverse student body has helped me to develop friendships with people across the world. I’ve learned the true value in creating those friendships with people who have different life experiences than me.
- The location – Having our campus coexist within Downtown Pittsburgh is something super unique to Point Park. Having the city as our campus gives college more of a real-world feel.
- The small-school feel – At Point Park, it’s uncommon to be in a classroom where the professor doesn’t know your name, to walk past a crowd without recognizing a familiar face, or to not meet mutual friends at a social gathering. The University is able to take more of an individualistic approach to learning and mentoring because of the smaller student body. I can develop personal connections with faculty and students alike, which creates a more comfortable and enjoyable learning environment.
Describe your favorite professors and courses.
I’ve been impacted positively by so many of my professors and classes here, specifically in the legal studies, political science and psychology programs. I’ve taken a substantial number of classes with Dora Ion, Ph.D., who does an excellent job of challenging students to think of bigger ideas beyond what we know and see every day and offers fresh perspectives on topics like international law, law and society and human rights. Her knowledge on all of these subjects and more shines through the passion she exhibits every day in class. I've also enjoyed classes with Robert McInerney, Ph.D., especially the life lessons I've taken away from his teachings. His passion to help students not only learn, but to become more aware and compassionate towards the people and world around us, will always resonate with me.
I had the opportunity to study abroad in London this past summer and took courses on wrongful convictions and global human rights. The wrongful convictions class, taught by Justin Brooks, founder of the California Innocence Project, was one of the most eye-opening classes. We examined the justice system from legal and global perspectives, as well as through his unique experiences. This class helped assure me that law school is what I want to pursue as the next step in my education.
@pointparku What does it look like to get career-ready at #PointParkU with the dream job of being a lawyer? Follow along as Natalia Zucco '23, shares what it's like being a student athlete and interning in Downtown Pittsburgh! Check out the full story on pointpark.edu #GRWM #GetReadyWithMe #DowntownPittsburgh #PointParkUniversity #LegalStudies ♬ In Love With You - BLVKSHP
How is Point Park preparing you for career success?
The Professional Career-Readiness Center at Point Park has played a huge role in preparing for my future, step by step. I’ve worked closely with Dean Jolin recently, who was beyond helpful with developing my resume and getting it out to prospective employers of interest to me. Within mere weeks of our initial meeting, I had interviews and opportunities lined up. Monica Ritter is another staff member who I worked closely with last year and really helped me establish a foundation for my career path and motivated me to pursue internships for the upcoming school year. Outside of the Professional Career-Readiness Center, many faculty and staff have been generous in providing connections and advice to enhance my network throughout college.
Tell us about your internship and what you're learning from it.
I am a legal support intern at Eckert Seamans law firm. My role entails something new every day, which I love. I hope to gain insights into the world of law and become familiar with different areas of practice. So far, I’ve contributed to projects, attended client meetings and signings and worked on methods of legal writing and research in the firm's libraries. I know that there is so much more to learn, and I look forward to the opportunities ahead with this law firm.
What's it like being a student athlete at Point Park?
The idea of “One Big Team” is a saying that resonates throughout Point Park athletics. I compete on the cross country and track teams, and my involvement has been a major part of my positive experience at the University. I’ve been given so much opportunity for growth within my sport by being coached to improve day by day, season by season. It has also been a really cool experience to be on such a successful team that is driven each year to exceed our previous goals. On top of that, I’ve created some of my fondest memories and best friendships through athletics, specifically running. Being around people who want to work hard and excel at their sport is motivating and embedded in the athletic culture at Point Park.
What do you like about Downtown Pittsburgh?
I’ve always loved the idea of living in a city, so when I came to Point Park, my hopes finally became reality. There is so much at your fingertips living in a city, especially one like Downtown Pittsburgh. There’s always something new to see, which definitely keeps life exciting and always gives you a story to tell. Student life on and off campus tend to overlap, which allows us to get an early glimpse into the real world.
Why would you recommend Point Park to a prospective student?
There’s a great opportunity to learn at Point Park, and not just in the classroom. Beyond learning about your major, you learn about people, relationships, society and yourself. There are so many students representative of different communities, cultures and countries. Point Park's environment fosters opportunities for students to develop new ideas and realize how much there is to explore and experience in this world.