B.F.A. in Photography Major Mallory Neil Lands Dream Internship with Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC Student Profile
Meet Mallory Neil
- Job Title & Employer
- Photography Intern, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
- Major/Program
- Photography
- Graduation
- April 2023
- College Activities
- The Globe, Enrollment Marketing photographer, Point Park Athletics photography practicum
- Scholarships
- Trustee
- Hometown
- Hollidaysburg, Pa.
- High School
- Great Commission Schools
- Hobbies & Interests
- Photography, listening to music, exploring, going to shows and movies, spending time with family and friends
"With Mallory's previous experience with shooting photography at Point Park, especially with soccer photography, it has helped her tremendously with the transition to working with our club. From her knowledge with editing photos to action photography, it has allowed her to step in and make a positive impact on our organization."
"I chose Point Park when I found out about all of the opportunities students were getting, and not just juniors and seniors, but freshmen and sophomores, too! When I toured, they told me if I wanted the opportunities to go after them. This was really encouraging to me as a senior in high school and I really felt like Point Park wanted the best for me."
How did you land your dream internship with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC?
I had been hoping to work with them for a while. When they announced they were looking for interns, and seeing they had a photography internship, I applied and submitted my portfolio. They invited me for an interview and I got the internship! I was lucky enough to have a practicum with Kevin Taylor, director of athletic communications at Point Park, which allowed me to photograph sports the fall of my freshman year. That experience allowed me to build my portfolio with fast-paced soccer photos and really helped me land my internship.
Tell us about the work you do as an intern.
My work includes photographing all home games as well as taking headshots, photographing practices and the Riverhounds Development Academy. After I take the photos, I’m responsible for editing and submitting them to be used for game recaps and score updates.
Why did you choose Point Park University?
I chose Point Park when I found out about all of the opportunities students were getting, and not just juniors and seniors, but freshmen and sophomores, too! When I toured, they told me if I wanted the opportunities to go after them. This was really encouraging to me as a senior in high school and I really felt like Point Park wanted the best for me.
What are your career goals?
Since my career goals include becoming the primary photographer for a professional soccer team or even the National team and owning my own photography business, being an intern for a professional soccer team is a huge stepping stone in my career!
What advice do you have for a student considering Point Park?
It is so important to look for the school that wants you to succeed and encourages you to go after really great opportunities! Since Point Park has a good reputation of setting students up with the tools they need, companies are more willing to hire Point Park students because they know we’re well-equipped and have the ability to succeed. We are able to get real-world opportunities even as freshmen to build our portfolios and resumes.
Photo of Mallory Neil by Emma Federkeil, broadcast production and media management major
Soccer photos by Mallory Neil