Get Career-Ready with: Allison Mullin '23, Criminal Justice Major and Social Justice Studies Minor

Meet Allison Mullin '23

Major/Program: Criminal Justice
Minor: Social Justice Studies
Hometown: Port Vue, Pa.
High School: South Allegheny High School
Dream Job: To work with a nonprofit organization as a policy administrator or legal advisor
Hobbies & Interests: I love playing video games, especially Stardew Valley and Minecraft. More recently, I've been enjoying Paper Mario: Origami King. They help me destress after a busy day. I also enjoy simply hanging out with friends and exploring what the city has to offer!

"The connections and resources that Point Park offers are helping me prepare for my career. The faculty, especially the criminal justice professors, have real-life experience and often share those experiences with students. I've utilized the Professional Career-Readiness Center since junior year, which has helped me connect with potential employers and find internships."

Allison Mullin '23

What are three things you love most about Point Park University?

For starters, I love the professors! With such small class sizes, I feel like my education is important to each professor, and I am seen by them. I am close with most of my professors, and they are always available when I have any issues or questions about class or an assignment. Secondly, I love that Point Park is in the heart of the city. There are so many businesses and amenities within walking distance from the University, which is nice when it's late and you want a midnight snack from the corner store. The third thing I love most about Point Park is the library. It is my favorite building on campus, and it's one of the reasons why I chose Point Park. The study rooms are nice when you have a virtual meeting or class. Just make sure you reserve a room ahead of time!

Describe your favorite Point Park professors and courses.

One of my all-time favorite professors is Robert Ross, Ph.D. Though I've only taken a few of his courses, without him I would not be on the academic path I am now. He is the reason I did not drop my minor in social justice studies last semester, and he is the reason I've decided to continue my academic career into graduate school. Every class I take with him, by the end of the semester, I have the knowledge I was taught, as well as a better understanding of myself and the world around me. My favorite class at Point Park was Advocacy and Social Change taught by Jaime Simmons, a student in Point Park's Ph.D. in Community Engagement program. I loved that class because Professor Simmons catered the class to our interests and the social issues we wanted to learn about. Each class was amazing, and I always looked forward to it. I remember telling her that I wished the class time was longer so we could have more time for discussion. It is a class I recommend taking if you ever have the chance!

@pointparku Follow a day in the life of senior Criminal Justice major Allison Mullin ‘23! Check out the full story at pointpark.edu #getreadywithme #GRWM #PointParkU #PointParkUniversity #CriminalJustice #CriminalJusticeMajor ♬ Sunshine - WIRA

How is Point Park preparing you for career success?

The connections and resources that Point Park offers are helping me prepare for my career. The faculty, especially the criminal justice professors, have real-life experience and often share those experiences with students. I've utilized the Professional Career-Readiness Center since junior year, which has helped me connect with potential employers and find internships. Just this week, I have been in contact with Monica Ritter, career counselor, who has been helping me set up my resume and prepare me for an upcoming internship interview. We walked through the questions that I should expect and how I should answer them.

What is one thing every Point Park Pioneer absolutely has to do before they graduate?

Go to at least one sporting event in Pittsburgh, whether it be a Pittsburgh Steelers, Pirates or Penguins game. I think it is an experience everyone should have, especially if you are not from Pittsburgh, because our sports teams are so rooted in the Pittsburgh culture! I still remember going to my first Pirates game in college. I was with my friends, and we were in the 200 level with beautiful weather. I am pretty sure we lost that day, but the atmosphere was awesome!

Imagine you're giving a new-to-Pittsburgh student a tour of the city. Name one place you would take them and why.

I would take them to Mandarin Gourmet on Wood Street, a very short walk from campus. It is one of my favorite restaurants in the city! The food is amazing. I go there at least twice a month, if not more, to see Will, the kind and friendly server who takes time to chat with everyone. Those unfamiliar with the restaurant likely saw it featured in "A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood," the 2019 film about Pittsburgh legend Fred Rogers.

Why would you recommend Point Park to a prospective student?

Point Park is a school that personalizes every student's experience. The small class sizes allow me to feel heard by my professors, and they know who I am. That was one of the main reasons I decided to go to Point Park. Coming from a smaller high school, I needed to be able to connect with my professors one on one. Since starting at Point Park, I have rarely had a class with more 20 students.

Get Career-Ready with: Allison Mullin '23, Criminal Justice Major and Social Justice Studies Minor Student Profile