#PittsburghMe: Meet Matt Petras, Journalism Major

Meet Matt Petras

Major: B.A., Journalism
Expected graduation: 2018
Hometown: Donora, Pa.
High school: Ringgold High School
Scholarships: Vice Presidential Scholarship

Why did you choose Point Park?

Point Park’s journalism program seemed to be the best in the Pittsburgh area. My Vice Presidential Scholarship from the School of Communication was also very helpful.

What makes Point Park different from any other university?

I feel Point Park offers me the unique opportunity to work with journalism industry veterans. Most of the classes associated with my major are focused on producing work that I can actually use in the real world.

Who is your favorite professor?

I have had a passion for writing since fifth grade and have written in my spare time since then, but I barely understood anything about writing in a journalistic style until I had Bill Moushey. He has decades of experience and does a great job of helping you create whatever sort of work you are passionate about.

How has attending Point Park prepared you for your future career?

I have learned so much about how to conduct interviews, how to structure my writing, how to make my writing gel with Associated Press guidelines, how to pitch work to publications and so much more.

What activities are you involved in (both on campus and off)?

I write about geek culture, local and university politics, sports and more for The Globe, as well as various sites and blogs outside of school.

What has going to school in the city of Pittsburgh taught you?

The city of Pittsburgh is always moving, just like the real world. If you’re not moving with it, you’re going to get left in the dust.

Have you had any internships? What were your responsibilities?

Since I began learning how to write in a journalistic style, I have interviewed and written about big names in the comic book industry for a website called PopOptiq, such as Mark Millar, Jason Aaron and Jeff Lemire. I am also currently interning with The New People, a freely-distributed social justice newspaper from the Thomas Merton Center. There I cover LGBTQ issues and activism.

What advice would you give to an incoming student?

If you’re honest and passionate about your craft, you will go far. If you’re not, you’ll have a rough time. Make sure college and your intended major are what you want to do with your life.

#PittsburghMe: Meet Matt Petras, Journalism Major Monday, February 29, 2016