Get Career-Ready with: Anne Barbosa '26, Mechanical Engineering Major Student Profile

Why did you choose Point Park University? 

Point Park University was the perfect fit for me, with a strong soccer program, a benchmark mechanical engineering program, international students in different sports, a beautiful and diverse city and a downtown campus with plenty of things to do. At Point Park, I found the perfect match for my academic and athletic life. With its Downtown Pittsburgh location, we are surrounded by opportunities in the job market and large companies, which also highly influenced my decision.

As an international student, how did the University help you adjust to living in Pittsburgh?

First, Point Park has a great diversity of international students, especially athletes, and this is no different on the soccer team. Having women from many different parts of the world encouraging and helping each other in their journey here in the U.S., especially in moments of struggle or homesickness, made me feel very welcome and even at home. I also believe that the support from Rebecca Lee, director of International Student Services, and the international student orientation gave me a great amount of knowledge about many important things and made me feel at ease about my rights and duties here in the U.S. as an international student.

@pointparku Join mechanical engineering major, Anne Barbosa '26, as she shares what it looks like to get career-ready at Point Park as an international student and member of #PointParkSoccer! ⚽️🇧🇷👏 Take a look at the full story on PointPark.edu ✨ #GRWM #GetReadyWithMe #PointParkU #PointParkUniversity #DowntownPittsburgh #MechanicalEngineering #MechanicalEngineeringMajor #MechanicalEngineeringTikTok #MechanicalEngineeringTok #PointParkWomensSoccer #SoccerTikTok #SoccerTok ♬ original sound - Point Park University

What do you like about Point Park’s mechanical engineering program?

I really value the fact that Point Park offers a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering that combines solid theoretical education with practical experience. The challenging courses motivate me to learn, and the close relationships with the faculty, who are both caring and experienced, make a significant difference in my academic journey. The small class sizes foster a collaborative and supportive environment, allowing for close interaction between students and professors. This accessibility helps me ask questions and receive personalized guidance, which truly enriches my experience at the University.

How has your involvement with women’s soccer enhanced your Point Park experience?

My involvement with the women's soccer team has enriched my Point Park experience in ways I never anticipated, providing me with lifelong friendships and lessons that extend far beyond the pitch. It is truly one of the best things about being a Pioneer. We are like a family, and they make me feel at home.

Through our shared challenges and victories, I have learned the value of teamwork and collaboration, which has significantly boosted my confidence. I am so grateful for everything we have accomplished as a group, as well as all the laughs and every moment of support we've shared. These experiences have shaped me as an athlete and helped me grow into a more resilient and open-minded person.

Which faculty and staff members have had a significant impact on you?

Professor Matt Pascal, Ph.D., was my Calculus II professor during my first semester at Point Park, and from the beginning, he was very understanding about my busy soccer schedule with games and practices. What really stands out about Dr. Pascal is his genuine interest in the success of his students. He cares deeply about each student's progress and looks for ways to ensure that everyone reaches their full potential. His personalized approach and sincere desire to see his students thrive make him an excellent instructor and a valuable mentor.

I've had several classes with instructor Javier Gomez-Calderon, Ph.D., who is always willing to help his students and has a love for teaching mathematics. He always encourages me to learn and to strive for improvement and success as a student. I really connected with his teaching style, so I always chose to take classes with him whenever I could. He genuinely cares about his students' success, both in and out of the classroom.

Kristin Steele, my academic advisor at Point Park, helped me navigate issues the college credit transfer process. She really helped me get organized and make sure I was following the right academic plan and that I would graduate. She is very knowledgeable about her work and is always willing to help.

Describe your job in the Tutoring Center.

I work as a math tutor, helping my fellow students with everything from homework and studying to understanding the concepts of a subject and more. What I like about my job is the chance to help others, pass on my knowledge to them and, most importantly, see them succeed academically.

What do you like about living and learning in Pittsburgh?

I love living in Downtown Pittsburgh, as it's close to everything I need. There are lots of things to do and a great variety of activities, such as sporting events with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Penguins and Pirates, which make the city feel full of energy and high spirits. There are also parks to visit on chill-out days. In addition, the city has an incredible cultural vibe with museums and festivals that really showcase its diversity. Although it is a considerably large city with a large corporate market, it is very welcoming and cozy, which provides a sense of belonging. 

How has Point Park made you career-ready?

Point Park has shown me the diversity of opportunities available with my major, and the downtown location puts me right in the heart of the city, making it easy to network and explore job prospects. Additionally, the faculty are incredibly supportive, offering mentorship and invaluable industry connections that help prepare us for the internship and job search process.

Why would you recommend Point Park to a prospective student?

I am having such a great experience at Point Park, and I want others to feel the same! If you are a student looking for a welcoming, energetic city full of opportunities, Pittsburgh is the place for you. For international students, athletes and mechanical engineering majors, I can confidently say you will have a fantastic experience at Point Park. The strength of its athletics and mechanical engineering program, as well as its diverse community, make it special. Plus, the downtown campus is vibrant with plenty of activities to explore in the beautiful city. I highly recommend it!

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