Get Career-Ready with: Daniel Salas '25, Sports, Arts, Entertainment & Music Business Major and Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC Partnership Activations Coordinator Student Profile
Photo by Ethan Stoner '25.
Meet Daniel Salas '25
- Job Title & Employer
- Partnership Activations Coordinator, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
- Major/Program
- Sports, Arts, Entertainment & Music Business
- Minor
- Business Management
- College Activities
- Point Park Men's Soccer
- Hometown
- Seville, Spain
- High School
- The MacDuffie School; Granby, Mass.
- Dream Job
- European soccer club president
- Hobbies & Interests
- Golf, cars and traveling
"What I love most about living in Pittsburgh is the variety of entertainment the city offers. There’s always something to do, and I never get bored. I also love learning here because the opportunities are endless, no matter what you’re studying."
Why did you choose Point Park University?
I chose Point Park University for two reasons: its incredible Downtown Pittsburgh location, which I knew would offer amazing opportunities, and the men’s soccer program. Having grown up in city environments, I realized during my junior and senior years in rural Massachusetts that the city is where I belong. The men’s soccer program also showed interest in me during my senior year of high school, and the coach at the time continued to believe in my abilities, even after I told him I had torn my ACL and wouldn’t be able to play my freshman year.
What do you like about Point Park’s Sports, Arts, Entertainment & Music Business (SAEM) program?
What I love about the SAEM program are the opportunities it provides. You graduate with a wealth of experience and valuable knowledge in diverse fields, which is incredibly useful when entering the professional world. I also appreciate that the faculty have strong connections, particularly in the Pittsburgh area, and are always delighted to introduce you to those networks.
@pointparku Join Daniel Salas '25, sports, arts, entertainment & music business major and @Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC partnership activations coordinator to see what it looks like to get career-ready at Point Park! ⚽🏌️👏 Take a look at the full story on PointPark.edu ✨ #GRWM #GetReadyWithMe #PointParkU #PointParkUniversity #DowntownPittsburgh #SoccerTikTok #Soccer #PointParkSoccer #PittsburghSoccer #PittsburghRiverHounds #BusinessMajor ♬ original sound - Point Park University
How did you land your job with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, and what do you enjoy about it?
I landed my current job at Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC by consistently working harder than anyone else and always going the extra mile to get noticed by the higher-ups. I started in August 2023 as an associate, and after being promoted to senior associate and spending eight months in that role, I was recently promoted to partnership activations coordinator. I achieved this by maintaining a great attitude and genuinely loving what I do, which makes every day in the office feel like an opportunity to improve myself.
Which Point Park faculty members have had a significant impact on you?
During my four years at Point Park, I’ve had the privilege of learning from many incredible professors. In my early years, Professor Teresa Gregory and Judy Chanyi, academic advisor, were instrumental in preparing me for the more challenging courses in my major. They provided essential guidance that helped me build a strong foundation.
I also want to acknowledge Angelo Gargaro, managing director of University Advising, Tutoring and Writing Centers, and Student Conduct, and Professor Paige Beal, who transformed complex and demanding subjects into engaging, interactive experiences that motivated students to work hard and develop a passion for the material.
The professor who has had the greatest impact on me is Robert Derda. He has consistently supported me in making important professional decisions, offered both career and life advice and provided me opportunities to connect with influential figures in the sports industry.
How did your involvement with the men’s soccer team positively impact your college experience?
My involvement in the men’s soccer team has had a lasting impact on me by giving me life-long friendships I will always treasure. When I first joined, our coach encouraged all the players to live near each other and even helped connect us with housing opportunities. This brought the team closer together and improved our chemistry on the field.
What do you like about living and learning in Pittsburgh?
What I love most about living in Pittsburgh is the variety of entertainment the city offers. There’s always something to do, and I never get bored. I also love learning here because the opportunities are endless, no matter what you’re studying. Living in Pittsburgh gave me the incredible opportunity to work with the Riverhounds, something I likely wouldn’t have experienced if I had attended a university in a less vibrant location.
How has Point Park made you career-ready?
Point Park has made me career-ready in many ways. The courses have been incredibly helpful and engaging, offering real-world experience. The faculty and academic advisors have connections with professionals across the city who are always open to working with students. Point Park also hosts fantastic career fairs, which representatives from the city’s biggest sports teams attend, providing students with the chance to showcase their skills and make valuable connections.
Why would you recommend Point Park to a prospective student?
I’d recommend Point Park to a prospective student because it offers an incredible overall experience. Living in Pittsburgh allows you to enjoy a vibrant college life while having fun in the city. However, it's important to find the right balance between enjoying yourself and focusing on academics. Once you strike that balance, you'll enjoy your time even more, and it will fly by. This balance also helps you appreciate the importance of your career, encouraging you to start focusing on your post-college goals early in your journey.