WPXI Business Executives Discuss Careers in the TV Industry, Give Students Advice at Workshop Friday, February 12, 2016
L to R: WPXI-TV business executives Bob Liga, Brandon Takacs and Julie Ellis-Jena answer questions from students
Executives from WPXI-TV discussed their dynamic careers in the television business at the "A Day in the Life of the TV Business" workshop held on campus Jan. 28.
Learn More
The interactive workshop was hosted by Point Park's sports, arts and entertainment program and featured the following professionals from WPXI as panelists:
- Julie Ellis-Jena, digital sales coordinator
- Bob Liga, local sales manager
- Brandon Takacs, accounting executive
The panelists gave career advice and covered a range of topics from advertising and sponsorship business models to the busy schedule of a TV account executive.
"This workshop was very entertaining and beneficial. The panelists showed us what really goes on behind the scenes of TV," said Michael Beavis, an M.B.A. student concentrating in SAEM.
"I really appreciated that the panelists gave us advice that we can use in any industry," remarked Olivia Siemer, a sophomore SAEM major.
Career tips from the panelists Siemer found particularly helpful were:
- Make an effort to meet employers in person when applying for a job;
- Evaluate companies as a whole rather than just specific job titles; and
- Send handwritten thank you notes after interviewing for a position.
Both undergraduate and graduate students attended the workshop, including those from classes taught by Assistant Professor of SAEM Paige Beal and Professor of Communication Timothy Hudson.
"What we see on the TV is only the tip of the iceberg in a local TV station. Behind the camera is an army of account executives, managers and operational people that keep the business of that station moving forward," explained Beal, who has extensive experience working in the industry, most recently as senior director of sales for Comcast Spotlight.
"The professors at Point Park are always going above and beyond for their students, such as planning events like this that help us get out there and network," said Siemer.
Beavis added: "My professors have a wealth of knowledge and various connections that will help me reach my goals. I have built relationships with my professors that will last a lifetime."
Photos by Victoria A. Mikula, junior mass communication major