#PittsburghMe: Meet Alannah Owens, Human Resource Management Major

Meet Alannah Owens

Major/Program: HR Management-traditional/cert. (Compliance/Legal, Strategic Planning/Mgmt.)
Minor: Psychology
Graduation: May 2018
Scholarships: Founder's Award
Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pa.
High School: Pittsburgh Science and Technology Academy
Dream Job: Providing resources to help people with limited opportunities succeed

”I started my internship during the second semester of my freshman year, and at that time I didn’t know much about the corporate business world. As I started taking classes in my major ... I was able to take what I was learning apply it to my work.”

Alannah Owens

Why did you choose Point Park University?

I chose Point Park because of the vast opportunities that are available from being right in the middle of the city.

What do you like best about going to school in Downtown Pittsburgh?

I think the best thing about Pittsburgh is the culture. There are people of many different cultures and backgrounds in the city and ways we celebrate each other.

Tell us about your involvement with the Black Student Union.

The BSU is an organization that is here to create a safe space for minority students where they can voice their needs, concerns, and interests. We try to create a community that is like a family for our members. We want people to know that they are not alone and that what they have to say matters. I got involved with the BSU in my sophomore year and am currently the vice president of the organization. We plan to host at least one event each month next semester, so if you hear about us or see an event going on, please stop by!

Have you completed any internships?

I'm currently an intern at Henderson Brothers Inc. and have been working there for about three years. I started the internship during the second semester of my freshman year, and at that time I didn't know much about the corporate business world. As I started taking classes in my major like Business Ethics, MicroComputing, and Business Communications, I was able to take what I was learning and apply it to my work. For example, in MicroComputing there is a lot of work in Excel, and I was able to use the tools from that class to help create a program for my department.

Do you have a favorite class that you've taken?

I have a few favorites, but if I had to choose one, I would have to say Business Communication with Patrick Mulvihill. This class really taught me a lot about different conflict styles, personality types, communication and conflict solutions. I learned that it's important to know yourself and others around you in a work setting in order to handle problems efficiently and effectively. I still often discuss the ideas and concepts I learned in this class with other people.

What advice do you have for incoming students?

College is a lot of work, but make sure that you take time for yourself and go out and enjoy the city!

#PittsburghMe: Meet Alannah Owens, Human Resource Management Major Student Profile