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"Without these experiences at Point Park, I would not be able to see and learn what professionals do in the sports industry. These opportunities help me put into perspective the type of job I want in the future."

Natalea Hillen, broadcasting major

School of Communication students in Chelsey Driskel’s Sports Media and Marketing class and the Sports Communication Club enjoyed an insider’s experience at a preseason Pittsburgh Penguins game Oct. 7 at PPG Paints Arena.

Natalea Hillen and Hannah Buzza at PPG Paints Arena.
  Natalea Hillen and Hannah Buzza 

"Giving experiences like this is the reason why I teach," said Driskel '17, '18, a part-time professor at Point Park, government account representative at Grainger and 50/50 raffle coordinator with the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation. "This opportunity allowed students to network and gain industry experience." 

Students met with front office staff, including:

"Having the chance to talk with working professionals and learn about their jobs was an amazing networking opportunity," said Hannah Buzza, a digital journalism major from Beaver Area High School in Beaver, Pa. "I hope to utilize the connections we made in the future." 

In addition to the Penguins game, broadcasting major Natalea Hillen joined another group of Point Park students for an insider's tour at AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh and PNC Park in September. 

"Without these experiences at Point Park, I would not be able to see and learn what professionals do in the sports industry," said Hillen, who graduated from Peters Township High School in Peters, Pa. "These opportunities help me put into perspective the type of job I want in the future. I am very grateful for both tours this semester."

"These experiences aren't something you would get to do if you were at a school in the middle of nowhere. Not only does being in the city help, but also being at a school that is so career-oriented is so beneficial. Our professors are working professionals who have real-life connections," Buzza said.

Added Driskel:  "A huge thank you to the Penguins for making this possible for our students."