Bachelor's Degree Allows 2015 Alumna to Begin Career in the Human Resources Field Monday, May 2, 2016
Meet Angela Finke
Job title: Benefits Coordinator
Employer: System One
Degrees earned: B.S. in Human Resource Management, Point Park University, 2015, and A.S. in Business Administration/Fashion Merchandising, Kaplan Career Institute, 2010
Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pa.
High school: Taylor Allderdice High School
Now living in: Munhall, Pa.
Hobbies/interests: Drawing, painting, Pittsburgh sports, fashion, baking, camping and traveling
LinkedIn: Angela Finke
Why did you decide to pursue a bachelor's degree in HR management?
I've always wanted to advance my career in the business field. As I learned more about HR, I discovered that my passion for helping people in their careers would make me a good fit in the human resource field.
What factors made you choose Point Park?
From 2009 to 2010, I attended Kaplan Career Institute in Downtown Pittsburgh, who at the time shared a building with Point Park. After I graduated from Kaplan, Point Park was the first school I looked at to continue my education. Being a Pittsburgh native, I wanted to stay close to the city. I chose Point Park because of its location within the city as well as its available night, weekend and online classes for nontraditional students like me.
How did you land your new position?
Upon graduation from Point Park, I started searching for entry-level positions in the HR field. I applied for the benefits coordinator position with System One because with my bachelor's degree level education and experience working in health insurance for UPMC Health Plan, I felt qualified for the position. After applying, I was contacted by the benefits manager, who brought me in for an interview. Shortly after, I was offered the position, which I gladly accepted.
How have your Point Park classes helped you in this role?
Not only did my Point Park classes teach me what I needed to know in regards to human resources, but they also taught me how to be an exceptional employee. Point Park gave me the opportunity to work on individual projects, as well as work on a team, which helped me learn to work with a variety of people who have different ideas. From time management skills to learning the many aspects of HR, I felt more than prepared to start my new role as a benefits coordinator.
Describe the teaching styles of Point Park's School of Business professors.
Point Park professors, especially in the human resource management major, had consistent teaching methods, which worked well for me. The professors have real-world experience, and backed up their experiences with information from our textbooks. The teaching methods of faculty at Point Park challenged me, and by doing so it helped expand my knowledge beyond the books.
What are your career goals?
In the short term, I plan to take the exam for my Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification. As I progress in my career, I want to expand my knowledge and obtain more HR certifications. My overall goal is to achieve as much as possible in the human resources field - from benefits to employment development to training development and more.