SAEM Student Erin Skiff Interns for Attack Theatre

Meet Erin Skiff '22

Job Title & Employer: Marketing Intern, Attack Theatre
Major/Program: Sports, Arts & Entertainment Management
Minor: Digital Marketing
College Activities: SAEM Club Treasurer
Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pa.; Seton-La Salle High School
Now Living In: Braddock, Pa.
Hobbies & Interests: Dance, music, art, singing, traveling, painting, yoga and running

"I enjoy gaining valuable perspectives in business from multiple angles. The SAEM program provides a multidisciplinary approach to understanding the business world so that you can begin to unfold what interests you most about business and management within SAEM."

Erin Skiff '22

What does your internship entail?

I began the internship exploring Attack Theatre's history, mission and purpose. I familiarized myself with Egnyte, a file server; Little Green Light, a CRM database; and AirTable, a spreadsheet/database collaboration platform. I organized physical marketing collateral and archives for a portfolio. This was a great opportunity to understand the marketing materials used for different purposes and projects.

I worked on writing copy for social media posts and researched digital advertising publishing platforms. I had the privilege of participating in Traction, Attack Theatre's week-long dance intensive, which explored many different movement styles and creative practices. I interviewed my supervisor, Daniel Fleegle, about social media management for one of my classes this summer. This was a great experience to learn more about a professional's view on social media management.

I reviewed some website launching accessibility-related sites. I generated an inventory of YouTube content for the company. I researched open call best practices for artists and searched for new artists for the company to follow on Instagram. In the following weeks, I will be working on a content calendar, design vendor research and RFP research for marketing and design. I will complete some archiving and organization on site from the beginning of the internship and research ZeroWaste shows and festivals.

How has your internship enriched your educational experience?

My internship has provided valuable insight into the nature of marketing within a performing arts organization, especially a small to mid-sized one. It's a lot of juggling many responsibilities but appears to be an ultimately fun and exciting job. I will take away with me the skills learned through my research into social media and digital advertising, as well as an understanding of how to use a few database sites.

What do you like about the SAEM program?

I enjoy gaining valuable perspectives in business from multiple angles. The SAEM program provides a multidisciplinary approach to understanding the business world so that you can begin to unfold what interests you most about business and management within SAEM. I appreciate taking classes in a wide array of disciplines from learning about big data, statistics and digital marketing, to general study courses such as Finding Your Vision, Finding Your Voice, a course about finding yourself as an artist. As an artist with many interests, it's valuable to understand and gain insight into myself as an artist while learning much-needed business skills to succeed.

What are your career goals?

My goals are to develop myself as an artist and establish an art and entertainment company performing and traveling throughout the world. The goal is for it to be a carbon-negative organization, which means that there is actually carbon taken out of the atmosphere through my company's practices. My SAEM degree will provide valuable insight into the business world of art and entertainment while building my network and skills in the industry.

Why would you recommend Point Park to a prospective student?

I would recommend Point Park to a student if they are looking for a school that provides a wide array of classes for every major. You have the opportunity to take classes in just about any discipline you want. I would advise that the student be very self-directed if they are looking to succeed at Point Park. Especially in the business world, it's important to enjoy what you're studying and look forward to working hard in classes and ensure that you make valuable connections with colleagues, professors and professionals in the field.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

"You are the sky, everything else is just the weather." – Pema Chodron

SAEM Student Erin Skiff Interns for Attack Theatre Student Profile