#PointParkWorks: Online Business Management Major Completing Co-op with UPMC Health Plan Student Profile
Meet Melissa Veneziano
- Job Title & Employer
- TPA Process Analyst, UPMC Health Plan
- Major/Program
- Business Management
- Graduation
- December 2018
- Hometown
- Pittsburgh, Pa.
- High School
- Carrick High School
- Now Living In
- Shaler Township, Pa.
- Hobbies & Interests
- Coaching my son's basketball team and spending time with family and friends
"I am a huge fan of Point Park University! I wear my sweatshirts around everywhere I go on the weekends. People often say to me, 'I am thinking of going back to college.' I tell them they should go to Point Park, it is a great school!"
Tell us about your co-op experience and the type of work you do.
When I was registering for spring classes, I learned that I would be able to incorporate my new position at UPMC Health Plan into a co-op experience for six credits.
As a TPA process analyst, I recommend and implement process improvements based on trending data and identify cost savings opportunities through supply chain management.
Additionally, I’m in the process of helping to implement a new system for tracking fulfillment requests and costs including allocating funds to appropriate cost centers.
What factors made you choose Point Park University?
Point Park is a very transfer-friendly university. Most of the credits I earned from the Community College of Allegheny County and Point Park back in 1997 were accepted. When I returned to Point Park in 2016, I only had two years left that I needed to complete before I could graduate. I was really grateful for that.
The University has a good reputation and I like that it is centrally located in Downtown Pittsburgh. Also, I was impressed with the University’s alumni success stories.
How have your online business management classes helped you with the work you do?
They have helped a lot! I learned a lot about statistics, financial reporting and how to give effective presentations in the workplace. My favorite class has been Corporate Finance taught by Professor DeFazio.
Being a fully online business management student has allowed me to maintain my busy schedule working full time and having a family. Point Park has been a great experience.
What advice do you have for prospective non-traditional students?
Time management is essential. You really have to sort out your time. In the end though, it's so important to have a degree. Many corporations require degrees for certain positions. You may have experience, but you might not get that job or promotion if you do not have the degree to go with the experience. That’s what I ran into so that’s why I made it a priority to go back to school and earn my degree.
Also, advice I have for high school students is to always keep trying and never give up on your career dreams! I felt that I didn't have the resources to continue college right out of high school so I stopped going and I regret it. Financial aid is available to help you through. If you want to get a degree, work hard and get it! I teach my kids that they can do anything they want if they work hard to achieve it.
What’s next for you after graduation?
My next career goal is to obtain an account/project manager position. I have all the licensing required for it — now I just need the degree to get the position.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
All of the faculty and staff at Point Park have been extremely helpful. When I have questions or need more information, everyone gets back to me within 24 hours.
I am a huge fan of Point Park University! I wear my sweatshirts around everywhere I go on the weekends. People often say to me, "I am thinking of going back to college.” I tell them they should go to Point Park, it is a great school!