Broadcast Reporting Major Mark Dovi Covers the 2016 Presidential Campaign Trail Wednesday, October 19, 2016

Aspiring journalist Mark Dovi, a senior broadcast reporting major from North Catholic High School, is covering the 2016 presidential campaign trail. Below, Dovi highlights the connections he's made as well as how his Point Park experience prepared him for this journey.

Tell us about your key experiences covering the campaign trail.

My journey began last March when I contacted the White House to ask for credentials to cover Vice President Joe Biden's visit to the University of Pittsburgh. My camera equipment was right beside CNN, NBC, Fox News and other major media. Little did I know that this was the start of something new in my life.

I have been credentialed for events with former President Bill Clinton, Democratic Party nominee Hillary Clinton and Republican Party nominee Donald Trump. I obtained White House press credentials for visits with Vice President Biden, First Lady Michelle Obama and President Barack Obama. Shaking hands with President Obama and taking selfies with Hillary and Bill Clinton are memories that I will never forget.

Most recently, I covered the second presidential debate at Washington University in St. Louis as a member of the media.

These are just some of the amazing opportunities I've been able to represent Point Park University at in the real world. I've learned so much and made lifelong connections.

How is your Point Park experience preparing you for your career?

Point Park has really given me an advantage and I know my professors and classmates support me in any way they can. I've been given the tools and resources to not only get the work done, but get it done correctly and efficiently.

What attracted you to Point Park University?

I looked into many different schools with communication and journalism programs. Point Park University stood out to me because of its Downtown Pittsburgh campus and the hands-on experience you get in your major - from the television studio in University Center to the brand new Center for Media Innovation - the possibilities are endless for future journalists. Also, the instruction you get from the teachers is unparalleled. I remember taking the campus tour and seeing how the teachers weren't just teaching, but helping the students understand the techniques and giving real-life situations on how you will use them in your future.

What advice do you have for a prospective student?

For the future journalists, the media world is a tough and ever-changing one. You have to separate yourself from the rest and prove your worth and what impact you can make in journalism. By taking the initiative to do something different than others, companies will see that and will fight for you to be one of their employees. I will always remember Point Park for pushing me to continue my drive to get to where I want to be in the future.

What's next for you?

I'll be attending Hillary Clinton's election night party in Philadelphia Nov. 8!

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More About: Center for Media Innovation, School of Communication, broadcast reporting