The Rowland School of Business is measuring success not just on our students graduating but getting a job in their area of study. We are intensely focused on internships, co-ops, and connecting our students to the marketplace with the support of industry-focused faculty.
“I am very proud of our industry focused faculty, innovative and dynamic curriculum and downtown location that helps lead our students to employment in their chosen field of study. Please consider supporting RSB through our Day of Giving Campaign. Your contribution can help ensure our students continue to have access to our numerous professional and industry focused initiatives and opportunities that are listed below.” -- Dean Steve Tanzilli, J.D.
Pioneer Records, LLC is the student-operated record label based out of the Sports, Arts, Entertainment and Music Business program. The label is equipped with booking, marketing, operations, and multimedia departments all of which work to create a successful brand for the artist, while allowing students to gain real- world, professional experience.
Michael P. Pitterich Sales & Innovation Center is a state of-the-art facility that provides students with access to sales education and expertise. The 1,300 square foot space features three office-sized simulation rooms, a conference room, and a technology-enhanced training room focused on career-readiness. The Center influenced Point Park being listed as a Top University for Sales Education, designated by the Sales Education Foundation. Construction of the Center was generously supported by businessman and philanthropist Michael P. Pitterich.
Department of Community Engagement & Leadership is an interdisciplinary, socially focused department that aims to prepare scholars and practitioners in leadership for public good. Students in the Nonprofit Management, Public Administration, Organizational Leadership, and Community Engagement programs learn to become agents of change in diverse community settings. The department serves as a hub for University volunteerism, service learning, and community partnerships. 2023-2024 programming included: an urban garden, a downtown Pittsburgh public restroom feasibility study, and an adopt-a-block and urban alley project.
Chuck Cooper and Josh Gibson Center for Equity and Education seeks to create opportunities in education and employment for youth and families from communities of color. Focusing on skills necessary for college and career-readiness, the Center offers opportunities to meet with community and business leaders, college faculty and college mentors. The Center is generously supported by Pitt OHIO Express and First National Bank.
Rising Brothers and Sisters (RBS) is a mentorship program that invests in students of color in the greater Pittsburgh region by bringing cohort model small group support systems and programming around academic, career, and financial success to 150+ students in four “adopted” high schools: Neighborhood Academy, Aliquippa High School, Taylor Allderdice and Perry high schools | Pittsburgh Public Schools. RBS programming at Perry Traditional Academy is generously supported by The Buhl Foundation.
Women In Industry (WIN) is an initiative aimed at accelerating the success of women-identified students and professionals. By leveraging University and community resources, we strive to engage leaders, effect conversations, and encourage allyship through a variety of elevating experiences. WIN programming is supported by businessman and philanthropist, Curtis Aiken, as well as sponsorship from US Steel and Magee Women’s Research Institute & Foundation.
Accelerated Career Awareness Program (ACAP) is a one-week summer residency program that introduces underrepresented high school students to the accounting, finance, and entrepreneurship professions. Since 1980, the program has been offered by the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) in cities across the U.S. to help increase the number of underrepresented accounting professionals. At Point Park ACAP is generously supported by Huntington Bank and other corporate sponsors.
First National Bank (FNB) Mentor Program pairs Point Park students with FNB Young Professionals Group members based on industry experience and majors. The program takes place over the Spring semester and includes one-on-one mentoring sessions, a tour of FNB Branch and Corporate Headquarters, and Lunch & Learn Session.
America250PA's Direct Effect Innovation Challenge (DEIC) is a competition that challenges students from colleges and universities around the Commonwealth to design and develop integrated marketing campaigns that explore solutions to real-life marketing challenges and questions. Point Park University partnered with America250PA to host the first regional competition in 2019 with significant involvement by the Rowland School of Business with support from School of Communication faculty. In addition to supporting the competition, we have fielded teams that have all reached the state finals, with one team winning first place statewide, and another winning second place during a subsequent year. In 2022, a winning Point Park student campaign was featured in a display at the State Museum in Harrisburg.
RSB Sales & Innovation Accelerator seeks to raise Point Park's attractiveness to prospective students, industry professionals, and potential donors by providing those that are accepted into the accelerator a structured framework to support various endeavors within the sports, arts & entertainment industry upon the completion of their studies at Point Park University. Resources may include the leverage of Point Park's vast technology via Michael P. Pitterich Sales & Innovation Center, Center for Media Innovation, and the Pittsburgh Playhouse while support may include personal coaching from Point Park's industry focused faculty, staff, engaged students, alumni, and partners.
The Point Park Sports Business Camp is a three-day summer camp offered free to all area high school students. The camp is hosted on campus through the Sports, Arts, Entertainment and Music Business Program to encourage high school students to consider careers in the field of sports and become college ready. Guest panelists include sports executives from local professional sports teams, universities and sports agencies. College advice is provided by Point Park executive staff and the Professional Career Readiness Center. Students learn about sports careers on-campus in a university setting and make daily visits to local sports professional venues.
