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 including 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.
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. Point Park also has a strong number of international students, which gives the University a clear advantage."
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. Basically every day in my job I use the skills I learned in class."
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."
Pam Zagar
Graduated in 2010
M.B.A. with concentrations in international business and health systems management
Team Leader of Member Services, UPMC Health Plan
"I especially like the small class size and the personalized attention that I received from my instructors. They knew me on a first-name basis and made themselves available to me if I needed anything."
"I remember attending the prospective graduate student dinner. What impressed me the most is the fact that all the full-time faculty were in attendance. I remember a gentleman coming over to me at the dinner. He smiled and asked me to tell him about myself. As I listened to him talk about the program, I thought to myself about how caring and passionate this individual was about teaching and how he cared about the success of his students. Five classes later, I will never forget Dr. Kraniou. He took me to places intellectually that I would have never gone before. Finally, I have now learned how to think outside the box and learned so much from him."
"Dr. Sidky has given me a better appreciation for culture. His teachings have helped me to handle our global customers and be more sensitive to their culture. Also, he has helped me to understand organizational behavior and how organizational systems work. His classes have helped me to understand how the organization that I work for operates and the reasoning behind the decisions that they make as a business."
"Dr. Maharaja's expertise in the health care industry has given me the tools needed to better understand the organization that I work for from a health care organization perspective and all the factors that come into play when these decisions are being made."