Get Career-Ready with: Gregory Hillman '24, Sports Communication Major Student Profile

Meet Gregory Hillman '24

Major/Program

Sports Communication

College Activities

WPPJ, Sports Communication Club, Point Park Sports Network

Hometown

Allison Park, Pa.

High School

Hampton High School

Dream Job

Working in sports media

Hobbies & Interests

Sports, traveling, spending time with family and friends

Why did you choose the sports communication program?

I chose to major in sports communication because I knew of the excellent connections Point Park has with the Pittsburgh sports teams and organizations around the country. Point Park has so many resources and activities for students to get involved with on day one.

The Point Park Sports Network (PPSN) allows students to get real-world experience in sports broadcasting. Anywhere from on-air talent to behind-the-scenes, the PPSN is a great way to get your feet wet and develop your skills.

Also, to enhance the sports communication experience, students can join U-View, WPPJ and The Globe.

When did it all come to together that you made the right decision to major in sports communication at Point Park?

It all came together in my sophomore year when I did play-by-play for the PPSN. I was grateful for the opportunity to get on the air as an underclassman when typically upperclassmen get those gigs.

In my junior year, I took over as one of the lead play-by-play announcers for the PPSN along with my good friend Mike Hodgetts. Through the experience of being with PPSN under the leadership of Kevin Taylor, associate athletic director and director of athletic communications, I expanded my knowledge in sports broadcasting beyond the on-air portion. I've been taking more behind-the-scenes roles this year which has helped my progression as a broadcaster and producer.

What activities are you involved in on campus?

I am co-vice president of the sports communication club and sports director of WPPJ. 

@pointparku Sports Comm classes, WPPJ, Sports Communication Club, Point Park Sports Network and working with Pens Radio: Get career-ready with senior, Gregory Hillman as he shares his Point Park experience! 🏀 🏒 ⚾ Full story on pointpark.edu #GRWM #GetReadyWithMe #PointParkUniversity #PointParkU #SportsTok #SportsCommunication ♬ original sound - Point Park Univ.

What are your key responsibilities as an intern with Pens Radio?

I have a variety of responsibilities, including:

• Helping to set up and produce pre/post-game shows at PPG Paints Arena for Pittsburgh Penguins home games.
• Recording the players talking to the media in the locker room.
• Helping to produce the Penguins Radio Network from the Bridgeville studio for home and away games.

Plus, we have to complete a group project with interns from other departments that will be presented to Penguins executives near the end of the program. This is a great way for interns to meet new people and grow their networks.

What resources are available to commuter students like yourself?

There are so many resources for commuter students around the city. With the partnership with Pittsburgh Regional Transit, it is easier for students to commute to Point Park. There are busses that go in every direction and there is also the "T" Light Rail System for those who live south of the city. With being in Downtown Pittsburgh, bus and "T" stops are usually a short walk to school. In addition, there are parking garages nearby for students who drive to campus.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Get involved with clubs and activities early. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and be passionate about what you’re doing, especially in sports media since it's an extremely competitive business. Coming to Park Point University puts you on the right track to success.

More About: internships, Downtown Pittsburgh, Hampton High School, School of Communication, sports communication, athletics, WPPJ, Pittsburgh Penguins