Alumni Spotlight

Name: Kari Carbone
Hometown: Donora, PA
Now living in: Mt. Lebanon, PA
Employer: iHeartMedia
Job title: Project Manager 
Degree earned: Masters of Busienss Adminstration, 200 and Bachelors of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication, 1996.
Campus activities and awards: WPPJ, PRSSA, Student Government, Student Activities, Point Park Alumni Board
Describe Point Park in one word: Eclectic

Options and opportunities 

Kari Carbone knew Point Park was the right choice for her, even before she had decided on her major.

“I wasn't sure what I wanted to major in. It was between film, video, theater, and journalism. When I decided that film wasn't going to be for me, Point Park had those other options.”

She ultimately made the decision to major in Journalism and Mass Communications, which was an instant fit for her.

“When I switched to journalism, it changed everything. I didn't dislike college, but I didn't love it. The second I switched to journalism I started loving college.”

She made the most of her time at Point Park and was involved in a variety of activities, including WPPJ, PRSSA, Student Activities Department and SGA. This involvement, and her time with experienced Point Park professors, led her to recognize the importance of connections and networking.

“Professors took you to the newspaper and Bob (O’Gara) introduced us to people who worked in public relations and advertising and made sure we dressed appropriately and knew to shake hands and send a thank you and all those little things that are not necessarily obvious for people to tell you. To this day, I'm in touch with a lot of the professors.”

Meaningful connections

While her education at Point Park enabled Kari to gain self-confidence and real-world abilities, it was the people who made up the Point Park community who she remembers most.

“I think it's the diversity of the people. I was exposed to so many new things and there are so many creative and fun kind people. There was such a melting pot, and I met people from all over the world whom I still speak to.”

Not only does she still communicate with friends from school, but Kari is also still in touch with many professors from her Point Park journey. She attributes these personal connections to Point Park’s small class sizes and the connection with downtown Pittsburgh. Although Kari recognizes that this unique campus environment can sometimes deter potential students, she argues that there are too many benefits to ignore.

“I think you'll find a ton of benefits attending a smaller university. I think there's a lot of value in that and take advantage of it. The organizations are there. I feel like there's so much opportunity.”

The opportunities at Point Park led Kari to jobs that she’s loved and personal connections that have lasted throughout the years. Through her involvement with the Alumni Association Board, Kari has been able to engage with the community that gave her the confidence to pursue her goals and find herself in the process. Giving back to the university means everything to Kari, who credits her path in life to the lessons she learned at Point Park.

“I feel like I got a great education, and not just in the classroom.”

More About: alumni, School of Communication, WPPJ, Point Park Alumni Board, Point Park Alumni Presents