Meet MBA Alum Chris Lovett, Consumer Product Marketing Manager for PNC Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Lovett also shares his expertise with Point Park's School of Business students
Job Titles: Consumer Product Marketing Manager and School of Business adjunct professor
Employers: The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. and Point Park University
Degrees earned: Bachelor of Science in business administration with a concentration in marketing, Robert Morris University; MBA with an international business concentration, Point Park University
Graduation years: B.S. in 2001; MBA in 2007
Interests: Spending time with family, ice hockey, social media, technology innovation, PodCamps, and training for a half marathon
In his role as a consumer product marketing manager, Lovett develops integrated marketing strategies and plans to grow product adoption and awareness in multiple segments. With more than 10 years of experience in advertising, marketing, and public relations, Lovett combines traditional marketing methods with social networking to engage customers in a new way. That, combined with his passion for marketing research and customer relationship management, allows him to view customers on a very personal level.
What inspired you to pursue an MBA degree from Point Park?
I wanted to advance my career to the next level but also required flexibility. Point Park's MBA program offered a flexible schedule of classes that really appealed to me as a working adult. Also, I didn't want to go into a huge amount of debt so I liked that Point Park was affordable. The Downtown Pittsburgh location of the campus also played a role in my decision to attend Point Park since it was just a short walk from work and an easy commute from home.
How did you land your current position with PNC?
When considering my next role, opportunities for growth and a positive brand I could believe in were important factors. PNC provided both a challenge and opportunity to use the marketing skills I acquired in the past to advance my career.
Describe the project that students worked on in your undergraduate marketing research class.
In my fall 2011 undergraduate marketing research class, we identified a real world problem in the U.S. - the shortage of dentists in urban and rural areas. Based on research, we developed a marketing plan and presented recommendations to representatives from the University of Pittsburgh's School of Dental Medicine on how to recruit dental students from diverse backgrounds and encourage them to practice dentistry in areas that have shortages. It was a great opportunity for Point Park to partner with the University of Pittsburgh.
How has your MBA degree helped you achieve your career goals?
Obtaining my MBA degree has not only helped me earn job promotions, but has enabled me to see the bigger picture when it comes to accounting and return on investments. I have gained a better understanding of detailed financial statements. Also, my international business classes taught me that even if your product is local, having an understanding of international business practices is crucial in today's work environment. We are truly working in a global economy where everything is linked together. The most successful businesses of the future will be the ones that have a global reach and are fully mobile.
More About: faculty, M.B.A., alumni, Rowland School of Business