Working for the Stanley Cup Champions: SAEM Grad Discusses Role as New Media Coordinator Tuesday, July 18, 2017
Meet Evan Schall
Job title: New Media Coordinator
Employer: Pittsburgh Penguins
Degree earned: Bachelor of Science in Sports, Arts, Entertainment Management
Graduated: Spring 2014
College activities: United Student Government and Pioneer Experience Orientation Leader
Hometown: Trafford, Pa.
High school: Penn-Trafford High School
Now living in: Pittsburgh, Pa.
Hobbies/interests: Sports, photography and traveling
Twitter: @EvanSchall
LinkedIn: Evan Schall
Update: Evan was promoted to director of Communications for the Pittsburgh Penguins.
How did you become new media coordinator for the Pittsburgh Penguins?
I started off as a media relations intern my junior year of college, which then transitioned to part-time game night employment while I finished school. Once I graduated, I accepted a one-year graduate assistant position in the Pittsburgh Penguins communications department, which later led to the full-time position I have now.
"When a position became available at the Penguins, we immediately thought of Evan. He had a wealth of internship experience with the Penguins, the Pirates and at a local advertising agency."
-- Andi Perelman, Manager of New Media, Pittsburgh Penguins
Tell us about the work you do in this role.
My duties include, but are not limited to:
- Managing and operating the Pittsburgh Penguins website, which includes posting features and news stories, as well as day-to-day website maintenance.
- Creating and distributing content for all Pittsburgh Penguins social media channels including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, Pinterest, Periscope and Google.
- Working with the Penguins corporate sales team to create and execute partner-integrated social media initiatives.
What was it like being involved with two Stanley Cup Championships?
It's something that is difficult to put into words. There are people who work their entire careers in sports and never get to experience what it's like being a part of a championship team, whereas, I have now seen two championships in my first three years of full-time employment. I guess it's fair to say that I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities I've received, and it's something that I definitely do not take for granted.
How has Point Park helped you achieve career success?
My professors at Point Park connected me with industry professionals who helped me land my internships at the Penguins, Pirates, and New Perspective Communications all while I was in school. Because Point Park is located right in Downtown Pittsburgh, it was easy for me to gain real-world experience in both the sports and business worlds. I can confidently say that if I did not attend Point Park, I would not be in the position I am today.
What advice do you have for our SAEM students pursuing careers in the sports industry?
Get involved, and put yourself out there. A lot of people assume that when they graduate they can just go work for a pro team at the MLB/NFL/NHL level. It's not quite that simple. Gain experience with minor league teams/college athletics. That goes a long way, and most times you end up learning more with those teams because you work in so many different roles.
Also, make sure to network and leave a positive impression with everyone you meet. You never know who will end up helping you down the road.
More About: Rowland School of Business, Pittsburgh Penguins, alumni, Penn-Trafford High School, sports, arts and entertainment management, Downtown Pittsburgh, United Student Government