Graduates offer insight on Point Park's M.B.A. program
In an effort to continually assess and strengthen the M.B.A. program, the School of Business asks graduates for feedback and insights about their experiences at Point Park with curriculum, course work and faculty interaction, as well as how earning the degree has helped their careers. The alumni below have agreed to share their comments and photos online.
Pamela Zagar
Graduated in 2010
M.B.A. with concentrations in health systems management and international business
Medicare Operations Supervisor, CVS Caremark Corporation
"After holding various positions in the pharmacy and health insurance arenas, I decided I wanted to take on more of a leadership role within a growing organization. The process to obtaining my M.B.A. provided me with the necessary tools needed to help me successfully obtain a leadership role and continue to grow."
"As a working adult, the program allowed me to go to class at my own pace, have the flexibility for a work-life balance and gave me the tools needed to succeed."
Dennis DiPasquale
Graduated in 2009
M.B.A. with a concentration in international business
Account Executive, Expedient Data Centers
"I landed a graduate assistantship which gave me the opportunity to go straight through and earn my M.B.A. degree. It was great to get both degrees completed while I was still young and had my youthful energy. I also feel earning two degrees better prepared me for my career."
"I was glad I got my M.B.A. degree early in my career and now I can add my experience on top of it. Earning an M.B.A. degree will make you a great candidate for jobs and will set you apart from other applicants in the market."
Janet Barone
Graduated in 2006
M.B.A. with a concentration in international business
Decision Support Consultant 3, Highmark
"Highmark's involvement with the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership and encouragement of continuing education through its tuition reimbursement program was a significant influence on me pursuing my education."
"Other key factors for choosing Point Park were the convenience of walking a few short blocks to classes, accessibility to the library, bookstore, professors and University activities and having the comfort of knowing that all Point Park buildings are staffed with security guards to ensure student safety in and around the buildings."
Alyssa Tress
Graduated in 2012
M.B.A. with a concentration in management
Internship Coordinator, Urban Innovation21
"I chose Point Park for the urban campus, convenient evening and weekend class schedules, and the small class sizes."
"I really enjoyed earning my M.B.A. degree from Point Park University. I was able to learn tremendously from all the professors who work in the fields they teach. As well, I made great connections and learned from the experiences of my fellow classmates. It has truly made me an improved professional."
Paul Nutter
Graduated in 2010
M.B.A. with a concentration in international business
Mortgage Servicing Specialist, Bank of America
"Having researched a number of schools, Point Park had a number of advantages. The location in an urban setting combined with the small class sizes made the school the most attractive."
"The majority of my M.B.A. classes gave me the opportunity to work with others in a group to produce research with a particular focus on quantitative analysis. This has been of great help to me over the past year."
Patrick Huber
Graduated in 2009
M.B.A. with a concentration in international business
Athletic Trainer and Program Coordinator, UPMC Center for Sports Medicine
"With an M.B.A., I could move into more of an operations role rather than a clinical one. By choosing a concentration in international business, I diversified my portfolio enough to be marketable in health care and other industries with national or multinational corporations."
"The professors from the program challenge you to work hard, to think outside of the box and offer real-world scenarios. They prepare you for the tasks you will face in business. Without them, I would not be where I am today."
Shannon Farr
Graduated in 2011
M.B.A. with a concentration in management
Senior Communications Specialist, Westinghouse Electric Company
"As an M.B.A. candidate, I chose Point Park to learn the basics of business management and to get a refined understanding of how a successful business should operate."
"Westinghouse afforded me the opportunity to complete my M.B.A., which was a goal I had since joining the business. Now, my career goal is to be successful at my new position on the external side of the house so that I can one day be a leader in my field."
May Lebo
Graduated in 2011
M.B.A. with a concentration in international business
Social Media Manager, Kali TV Online
"The international business concentration was the main reason I chose to stay on with Point Park to earn my M.B.A. degree. I also liked that Point Park offered small classes sizes and the chance to have a one-on-one focus from the professors."
"I loved the M.B.A. program because there were so many international students and students working in managerial positions. We could all share our experiences and learn from each other, which was very practical and beneficial."
Mackenzie Farone
Graduated in 2011
M.B.A. with a concentration in international business
Marketing Manager, Greiner Bio-One North America, Inc.
"I know that my current employer would not have given me the opportunity to have the job I have now had I not earned a graduate degree. A prerequisite of this job was to have a master’s degree so it certainly opened doors for me in my career field."
"I would love to take the opportunity to sincerely thank all of the professors and employees of Point Park who helped me along the way. My success was due to many people who took a risk and helped a young person build her skills and resume in the process."
Christine Demore
Graduated in 2012
M.B.A. with a concentration in international business
Global Pricing Operations Manager, BNY Mellon
"I manage a large team at Bank of New York Mellon, many of whom were in school to earn M.B.A. degrees. I knew earning an M.B.A. degree would be beneficial to me and would make me both a better manager and role model. I always want to make sure I am setting a good example for my sons."
"Point Park has helped me to come out of my shell. Before grad school, I was nervous to speak in front of a group. My M.B.A. classes helped me to break down those nerves and get over that fear."
Olivia Benson
Graduated in 2008
M.B.A. with a concentration in international business
Youth Policy Manager, Pittsburgh Mayor's Office
"Politics and government are highly competitive fields and having an advanced degree has made me a more attractive job candidate for employers. Also, my M.B.A. degree gives me an added dimension when addressing community issues. I not only understand the residents' perspective, but I’m also able to see how that same decision can be used to positively impact the business community."
"Point Park University is an amazing asset to Pittsburgh and I’m very proud to be a graduate of the program."
Kishor Pradhan
Graduated in 2012
M.B.A. with a concentration in health systems management
System Testing Analyst, Highmark
"Point Park was affordable, conveniently located in Downtown Pittsburgh, and its M.B.A. program offered a concentration in health systems management. Also, I found this college to be very diverse. These factors all worked together to help me make my decision."
"My greatest experience has been learning from other students and talking to them about my home country of Bhutan."
Lydia Tobiasz
Graduated in 2007
M.B.A. with a concentration in sport, arts and entertainment management
Manager of Corporate Hospitality Sales, The Madison Square Garden Company
"Because Point Park’s M.B.A. program encourages hands-on experience outside of a classroom setting, I had the opportunity to work with various sports and entertainment leaders who exposed me to real business situations."
"My M.B.A. has also increased my marketability across the sports industry; I strongly feel that an advanced education makes a person stand out from a crowd of candidates in today’s competitive workforce. Education frequently comes up in my business conversations; being able to say I have an M.B.A. has enhanced my credibility and has definitely garnered respect from corporate clients that I speak to on a daily basis."
Ryan Beaver
Graduated in 2012
M.B.A. with a concentration in health systems management
Senior Manager of Materials Management, UPMC
"Many of my colleagues at UPMC already have their M.B.A. degrees so I knew it was something I needed to bring me 'to the table.' I chose the health systems management concentration because my job at UPMC focuses on making important decisions in the area of healthcare cost management."
"An M.B.A. degree lends itself to what I want to do in the future, which is to be a consultant. It also adds credibility to my work experience and serves as a good conversation starter. Having those three little letters at the end of your name is worth every penny."
Heike Steurer
Graduated in 2012
M.B.A. with a concentration in international business
Financial Analyst, Bayer Corporation
"My M.B.A. degree equipped me with the necessary technical and soft skills to achieve my professional goals. It has helped me to assess business and personal matters from a different perspective focusing on solving complex problems and challenging problems in innovative ways."
"I have assumed leadership responsibilities in my position, applying experiences gained through challenging group projects, particularly those in Dr. Kraniou’s classes. These projects pushed me to not only focus on the end result, but also encouraged me to examine the capabilities and overall dynamics of my team and to find ways to work more effectively."
John T. Gobble, III
Graduated in 2011
M.B.A. with a concentration in management
Mechanical Engineer, Philips Respironics
"Since earning my M.B.A., I now understand engineering in a completely different light."
"At Philips Respironics, I work on different engineering research projects in order to improve and develop new technologies that will help patients who suffer from sleep apnea/sleep disorder breathing. My M.B.A. classes have helped me understand management decisions that are made in regard to certain projects as well as the roles of marketing and advertising."
Seung Chan Lim a.k.a. "Slim"
Graduated in 2002
M.B.A. with a concentration in international business
Independent artist, software designer, and researcher
"Studying business gave me a much better understanding of what constraints business organizations are trying to manage, and, in turn, how people who manage businesses think, feel, and act. This is important to learn if you wish to navigate a society governed by capitalist philosophy."
"More specifically, as someone who conducts research and writes, I have to acknowledge that I'm always working on limited knowledge so it is imperative that I try to empathize with people from as many different disciplines as possible to get a more holistic understanding."
Kadi Camardese
Graduated in 2008
M.B.A. with a concentration in international business
Communications Manager, American Bridge Company
"I thoroughly enjoyed the program’s curriculum, but overall I gained a great deal of respect for professors like Dr. Kraniou who demanded the most one could give as he gave equally as much."
"At Point Park I was pushed to go above what I thought I could produce which plays a large role in the capabilities I have today. From a totally different angle, my favorite experiences at Point Park were made while studying beside the fountain at PPG Place and/or in local coffee shops - drinking coffee, enjoying the outdoors, and learning new ideas were some of my favorite times."
Andrew McIntyre
Graduated in 2009
M.B.A. with a concentration in international business
Doctoral Student, University of Pittsburgh
"The M.B.A. degree program directly influenced my research interests and the area I am pursuing for my doctorate degree. What I learned in my M.B.A. courses, especially those taught by Dr. Kraniou, Dr. Maharaja, and Dr. Sidky, pushed me in the direction I want to take my career."
"Because it's a smaller program, Point Park's M.B.A. instructors can truly get to know their students. Also, being that Point Park is in the heart of the city, it makes for a vibrant, urban campus."
Dora Leibu
Graduated in 2010
M.B.A. with a concentration in international business
Medical Student, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
"Business is an important aspect of medicine and often something that is missing from medical education. I wanted to become acquainted with business administration before entering medical school and earn my M.B.A. degree beforehand so I wouldn’t have to stay in medical school another year."
"Before earning my M.B.A., I didn’t have a background in business. However, I didn't have any difficulties in the program because the professors explained the concepts so well and were always there to help."
Chris Lovett
Graduated in 2007
M.B.A. with a concentration in international business
Consumer Product Marketing Manager, The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.
"I wanted to advance my career to the next level but also required flexibility. Point Park’s M.B.A. program offered a flexible schedule of classes that really appealed to me as a working adult. Also, I didn’t want to go into a huge amount of debt so I liked that Point Park was affordable."
"Obtaining my M.B.A. degree has not only helped me earn job promotions, but has enabled me to see the bigger picture when it comes to accounting and return on investments. Also, my international business classes taught me that even if your product is local, having an understanding of international business practices is crucial in today’s work environment."
Meg Yunn
Graduated in 2007
M.B.A. with a concentration in management
Director of Volunteer Programs, Washington and Jefferson College
Founder, "Beverly's Birthdays"
"I liked the project management focus of Point Park’s M.B.A. program and the emphasis on strengthening communication skills. Project management is a large portion of my job as a director of volunteer programs."
"Also, my M.B.A. degree helped me to effectively put together proposals like the one I did for Beverly’s Birthdays. In addition, my M.B.A. classes have helped me gain skills in managing a budget and have kept my math skills current."
Denice Withrow
Graduated in 2007
M.B.A. with a concentration in management information systems
Vice President of Business Technology Integration, Bank of America
"I liked Point Park's Downtown Pittsburgh location, the layout of the campus and the fast-track Saturday option that both degree programs (IT and M.B.A.) offered. The camaraderie I had with my classmates was very enjoyable. I was always excited to go to class every Saturday. As a non-traditional student, I never felt out of place and that was important to me."
Jessica Zamiska
Graduated in 2009
M.B.A. with a concentration in sport, arts and entertainment management
Manager of Visitor Services, Westmoreland Museum of American Art
"I chose Point Park University for my M.B.A. because of its Downtown Pittsburgh location and the experienced faculty within the sport, arts, and entertainment management program. It was important to me that the instructors had a working knowledge of the field."
"While he was teaching a class on sports management, our instructor Steve Tanzilli was also in the process of planning the Pittsburgh Triathlon. Not only did I learn about planning a large-scale sporting event, but also was able to participate in the process. The entire class had the opportunity to assist in the areas of marketing and logistics as well as volunteer the day of the event."
Ron Meyer
Graduated in 2002
M.B.A. with a concentration in management
Marketing Manager for EWTN
Creator, producer and host of Blessed2Play
"My M.B.A. degree added to my journalism and communications background by helping me to think more on a business level. I really enjoyed the theory classes, case studies and collaborating on group projects."
"When faced with a business issue, I often remember the discussions I had with my M.B.A. classmates and think back to the different case studies we perused. My classmates came from varied professions and had a wide range of experiences that helped me to broaden how I looked at the business world. Overall, my experience at Point Park was very gratifying."
Charlene Bidula
Graduated in 2009
M.B.A. with a concentration in sport, arts and entertainment management
Communications Specialist, Westmoreland Museum of American Art
"In my M.B.A. classes, we developed strategies for marketing brands, events and products. We also learned about business models, structures and financing for sports, arts and entertainment organizations. I incorporate the skills I’ve learned in these classes at the museum in planning promotion for exhibitions and events and when I work on strategies for social media, newsletters and other communications."
"The classes also helped me to understand the inner workings of the museum and how important good communication is for fundraising and campaigns."
Jennifer Bullano
Graduated in 2007
M.B.A. with a concentration in sport, arts and entertainment management
Director of Communications, The Pittsburgh Penguins
Bullano chose Point Park for graduate school because of its urban environment, well-connected alumni and the University’s links to various career opportunities in the sports field.
“My M.B.A. education has allowed me to better understand the operations of different departments within the Penguins such as marketing, corporate sales and customer service."
Tara Marks
Graduated in 2009
M.B.A. with a concentration in management
Co-Director for Public Policy Advocacy, Just Harvest
"Point Park's M.B.A. program offered the right timing, the right price and the right reputation. I also loved the urban environment and how Point Park was investing in Downtown Pittsburgh."
“In Dr. Sidky’s class, I learned that if an organization cannot adapt to change, it will not succeed. I’ve been able to apply that philosophy to my current work. Dr. Molinari’s approach to teaching adult students was also great. She always applied real life situations to her lessons."
"My M.B.A. education has been so valuable to me. It has taken my passion and advocacy work to the next level by enhancing my skills in economics, accounting, budgeting and strategic planning."
Nicholas Gigante
Graduated in 2007
M.B.A. with a concentration in sport, arts and entertainment management
Vice President of Development, The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust
“The professors have actual work experience in the field -- theater, sports, arts and entertainment management. They are known leaders in the community and are at the forefront of what's happening. As a professional, I wanted to learn from them. Experiencing the business for yourself and having a professor as your guide to see what it's really like in the workforce was a great attribute.”
"The University is in an urban setting, located in downtown Pittsburgh. For me, it was very easy to get to and from the Cultural District. The curriculum is well thought out and planned; designed for people who work full time. I had my weeknights free to be able to do events for work. As a young father, I was also able to spend time with my family. I was able to maintain a great balance in my life."
Mohammad Aliakbari
Graduated in 2010
M.B.A. with a concentration in health systems management
Provider Auditor, Highmark Medicare Services
"A unique aspect of the M.B.A. program at Point Park University is the practical experience and educational background of the instructors. All of the professors at Point Park have industry experience, which adds a tremendous amount of insight to the material presented in the courses."
"I loved the program because everything was just right. We discussed real issues in the business world and analyzed solutions from various perspectives. The faculty always led the discussion and helped the students present their cases in a logical and professional manner. Term papers were just right for each class; there weren’t too many of them to discourage the students. They were valuable and relevant. In addition, the students at Point Park brought their own unique work experience into the class discussions which helped everybody gain a broader viewpoint."
Kari Carbone
Graduated in 2000
M.B.A. with a concentration in international business
Director of Programming Development and Community Service, Clear Channel Radio Pittsburgh
"I always had a goal to achieve a master’s degree. As an undergrad student at Point Park I had several friends in the M.B.A. program. The work they were doing and the topics they were studying fascinated me."
"I liked several things about the program; instructors, group projects and most of all the subjects. We had a European Union survey class that was phenomenal. Studying cross-cultural management was a terrific learning experience too."
"As a result of my education, I believe I am a more open-minded person and have become a more rational problem solver. In addition, my education enhanced my decision-making skills in the business world."