Metallica Rocks Pittsburgh: SAEM Students Work in VIP for Legendary Heavy Metal Band

"Having the chance to work at amazing shows has led me to incredible connections. Becoming an SAEM major is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made."

Derek Makin, junior SAEM major

Metallica, with special guest Jim Breuer, performed in Pittsburgh for the first time in more than 10 years — and Point Park University sports, arts and entertainment management students had the opportunity to work in VIP at the Oct. 18 show at PPG Paints Arena.

“I’ve always wanted to see a large-scale concert from behind the scenes, and Metallica was the perfect opportunity!” said Kiearra Williams-Pearson, a senior SAEM major from Woodland Hills High School in Pittsburgh.

“It doesn’t get much bigger than Metallica. I really wanted to work a show for a group of iconic individuals who have helped pave the road for the next generation of bands and will always be legends in this genre of music,” explained Derek Makin, a junior SAEM major from Forest Hills High School in Johnstown, Pa.

Pictured are SAEM students at the Metallica concert. Photo submitted by Ed Traversari. Throughout the evening, the students checked in over 1,000 fans into the VIP section.

Senior SAEM major Alyssa King, from Strongsville High School in Strongsville, Ohio, said: “This was easily the largest VIP I’ve ever worked. It was amazing to meet and interact with everyone!”

SAEM Associate Professor Ed Traversari, MBA, frequently connects Point Park students to various opportunities to work in live entertainment.

"It's great to see so many of our SAEM students getting the opportunity to work the VIP party for the band. It gives them the chance to meet some of the management staff that tour with these VIP companies of which they may work for someday,” Traversari said.

Williams-Pearson, Makin and King were offered the opportunity to work at the Metallica concert through their work as ambassadors for CID Entertainment, a company specializing in VIP packages for tours.

“I have a few different career goals in mind, including being a tour manager, booking agent or production manager for a venue. However, after working VIP for Metallica, I’ve gained an interest in becoming a touring VIP coordinator,” Williams-Pearson said.

Makin added: “Pursuing my degree at Point Park University has helped me in more ways than I could ever describe. For a small-town kid like me, I’ve been able to do things that I only thought was possible in the movies. Having the chance to work at amazing shows has led me to incredible connections. Becoming an SAEM major is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”

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Point Park University Rowland School of Business students and alumni have worked at many concerts, events and shows in Pittsburgh within the past couple of years, including those listed below.

Read about their experiences:

Metallica Rocks Pittsburgh: SAEM Students Work in VIP for Legendary Heavy Metal Band Friday, October 26, 2018

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