M.A. Alumni Profile: Meet Ashley Murray, Center for Media Innovation Graduate Assistant

Meet Ashley Murray

Major/Program: Media Communication-M.A.
Graduation: April 2018
College Activities: Graduate assistant for the Center for Media Innovation, traveled to the Dominican Republic with environmental journalism program and attended 2017 Society of Environmental Journalists conference in Pittsburgh
Hometown: Monongahela, Pa.
High School: Ringgold High School
Dream Job: Reporter
Hobbies & Interests: Learning, reading, traveling

" I jumped at the opportunity to work as the graduate assistant at Point Park's new Center for Media Innovation and to have Andrew Conte, an award-winning journalist, as my supervisor. I saw this as a chance to further develop my skills and relationships."

Ashley Murray

What factors led you to return to your alma mater to pursue a graduate degree?

After working for two years as the Pittsburgh City Paper's multimedia editor, and prior to that freelancing for public radio and a few print outlets in Pittsburgh, I wanted to expand my skill set to become a better reporter, writer and editor. I jumped at the opportunity to work as the graduate assistant at Point Park's new Center for Media Innovation and to have Andrew Conte, an award-winning journalist, as my supervisor. I saw this as a chance to further develop my skills and relationships.

What are your key responsibilities as graduate assistant for Point Park’s Center for Media Innovation?

My duties have included:

Working with media professionals and professors who've used the center's state-of-the-art equipment
Planning events
Building relationships with local media associations
Providing general tech assistance

What kinds of opportunities are available to students in the CMI?

Students can use the center's video, podcast and photography studios to bring their ideas to life. Several students have also used the versatile space for special events and as a place to exhibit their work.

How is your graduate experience enhancing your work as a freelance journalist?

My time as a graduate student and graduate assistant at the CMI has enhanced my freelance career.

As part of my required coursework, I've been published twice by Pittsburgh Quarterly website and magazine. I've also been able to use the recording studio at the CMI to produce work for The Allegheny Front, a local public radio program that covers environmental issues.

Additionally, through the partnerships that the CMI has fostered, I was able to use the recording studio here to produce and edit the most-involved freelance assignment I've ever had — the PG's first serialized podcast, "Three Rivers, Two Mysteries." The CMI has provided me with the technology, freedom and time to experiment with multi-platform journalism.

How have your Point Park professors impacted you?

My Point Park professors have provided me with encouragement, guidance and connections. My adviser Steven Hallock encouraged me to apply for both the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette internship and the opportunity to become one of Salon.com's "Young Americans" state correspondents. Both have been incredibly fruitful opportunities. My graduate assistant supervisor Andrew Conte regularly meets with me to work on my writing and provide career advice. I sincerely appreciate the time that Dr. Hallock and Mr. Conte have spent working with me.

Photo by Nick Koehler, freshman photography major

M.A. Alumni Profile: Meet Ashley Murray, Center for Media Innovation Graduate Assistant Student Profile