Blender Hires 2020 Business Management Grad as an Integrated Marketing Associate

Meet Rhianna Davis

Job Title & Employer: Integrated Marketing Associate, Blender, Inc.
Major/Program: Business Management
Minor: Concentration: Marketing
Graduation: April 2020
College Activities: Resident Educator, Honors Program and Campus Activities Board
Scholarships: Presidential
Hometown: Lower Burrell, Pa.
High School: Burrell High School
Now Living In: Pittsburgh, Pa. (Squirrel Hill neighborhood)
Hobbies & Interests: Spending time with friends and family, trying new restaurants and coffee shops and thrifting

"Rhianna had great experiences with Point Park University, both in the classroom and through her co-op. Unlike other candidates, she already had a strong understanding of how to use social media to connect with people and build an engaging audience. With her bright personality and love of storytelling, we were excited to add her to our team. It was clear that Rhianna had a strong understanding of what it takes to be successful in real-world work environments. She went above and beyond to make sure she had experience outside of classwork and that speaks to the culture at Point Park. As an alumna, I knew the University had prepared her well and was proud to hire a fellow Pioneer."

Katy (Albert) Shoff '14, director of digital marketing, Blender, Inc.

"As a business management major, my experience in the Rowland School of Business 100 percent prepared me for my career in marketing. The first marketing class I had was taught by Professor Robert Derda. In that class, I really learned what it meant to be a marketer: to tell people’s stories. My professional selling class with Dr. Dorene Ciletti taught me how to successfully build relationships with clients. I am thankful for the hands on, real-world experience that I received in the classroom."

Rhianna Davis

How did you land your position with Blender right after graduating?

I was connected to Katy (Albert) Shoff '14, my supervisor and the director of digital marketing at Blender, through my co-op experience with the Point Park University Office of Alumni Engagement and Giving. I first reached out to Katy with general questions about starting my career. Since Katy is a Point Park alumna, it was great talking to someone who knew exactly what I was going through!

I saw on Blender’s website that they were hiring so I brought up that I was interested in applying for the integrated marketing associate position. Katy and I spoke several times after that and I got to meet other members of Blender’s team via video calls. I eventually was offered the integrated marketing associate position. I was over the moon!

Tell us about the work you are doing.

Blender is a boutique advertising agency in Pittsburgh's Garfield neighborhood that works with local nonprofits. In my role, I do both social media management and public relations work for our clients. I have been working for Blender for a month now, and in that time, I have developed relationships with our clients to best understand their needs, as well as scheduling social media content, writing short-form pieces and tracking media hits.

In what ways did the Rowland School of Business faculty and classes impact you?

As a business management major, my experience in the Rowland School of Business 100 percent prepared me for my career in marketing. The first marketing class I had was taught by Professor Robert Derda. In that class, I really learned what it meant to be a marketer: to tell people’s stories. My professional selling class with Dr. Dorene Ciletti taught me how to successfully build relationships with clients. I am thankful for the hands on, real-world experience that I received in the classroom.

What are your favorite Point Park memories?

I think what I miss most is sitting in Village Park or a study room in the University Center doing homework or just hanging out with friends. I think it’s those little moments that end up having the most impact. It’s odd to think I’ll never be doing that again as an undergraduate student. However, I will always have those memories with me.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Pittsburgh has been my home since I was born and I think I will stay here forever. Living Downtown while at Point Park gave me even more of an appreciation for this special city. I love the atmosphere and how the city can feel so homey despite its large size. As I transition to life as a young professional, I’m excited to be working with an agency devoted to "helping the helpers" in the Pittsburgh community.

Blender Hires 2020 Business Management Grad as an Integrated Marketing Associate Alumni Profile