Pittsburgh Business Times Hires 2021 School of Communication Grad as a Digital Producer Alumni Profile

What are your responsibilities as a digital producer at the Pittsburgh Business Times?

As digital producer, I am responsible for making daily updates to the Pittsburgh Business Times’ website and editing and publishing content online. I also write several stories a day for publication online, run social media accounts for the newspaper, send out newsletters and track engagement analytics. I contribute to the weekly print editions and upload stories that run in the print editions to the web.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I love the fact that there is such a variety in responsibilities that come with my job. I get to learn about reporting, social media management, email marketing and data, amongst so much else. My coworkers are all incredibly good at what they do and have been so welcoming. They always jump at the chance to help me learn a new skill.

Why did you choose Point Park University’s B.A. in multimedia program?

I chose the multimedia program much for the same reason as to why I love my current job. The program is all-encompassing, meaning that students have the freedom to explore so many different avenues of study under one major. There’s the option to learn about journalism, marketing, design, website development, photography and social media management all in one. From what I’ve experienced in my professional career thus far, this versatility is valued by employers and will open many doors of opportunity.

In what ways did Point Park prepare you for your career?

My time at The Globe was very valuable. During my senior year, I was editor-in-chief, which really let me put my wide array of skills to use. Writing, editing, website management, social media management, graphic design and photography were all important, necessary skills to have in order to manage the paper, especially during a pandemic when staffing was short. It also taught me a lot about teamwork and what makes a good employee and contributor.

What advice do you have for prospective students?

Point Park has so many ways for students to get involved and learn beyond their time in the classroom, in many cases, thanks to the work of other students who start up their own organizations and clubs. Prospective students should really take a look at the extracurricular opportunities the university has to offer. And if students are having trouble finding a way to get involved or have an idea they want to put into action, they should know that Point Park is special in that it houses so many diverse, bright minds. Someone within the university can help you make your ideas a reality, you just have to make connections and ask questions. The opportunities to do and create really cool things at Point Park are endless, you just have to find them.

Final thoughts?

Students who are looking to pursue a fruitful, exciting career in communications should absolutely check out Point Park and the School of Communication. The connections you can make are incredible, the faculty are knowledgeable and have plenty of real-life experience, and the student media and organizations are doing important work and regularly produce top-notch, award-winning journalism.

More About: Honors Program, School of Communication, Point Park News Service, WPPJ, alumni, North Hills High School, The Globe, faculty, School of Communication Alumni, multimedia, Honors Student Organization, success story