Pioneer Careers: Sports, Arts & Entertainment Management Alumnus Brandon Moon is an EDM Tour Manager Alumni Profile

Why did you choose Point Park University?

I wanted to play golf in college and also loved being in Pittsburgh so Point Park really hit the nail on the head for me. I originally went to Point Park for broadcasting, but I ended up switching majors my sophomore year and fell in love with the Sports, Arts & Entertainment Management (SAEM) program.

How did the Sports, Arts & Entertainment Management program prepare you for career success in the music industry?

The SAEM program really did more for me than just provide a degree. It's real-life scenario-based learning, thanks to the professors who have actually lived and excelled in their respective industries. Between listening to their stories from the field and having class at Stage AE, on top of the actual curriculum, you gain a bigger-picture perspective that goes beyond the classroom. The education you receive couldn't be more relatable and relevant to how the real world works outside of college.

@pointparku Follow along in our Pioneer Careers alumni Q&A series as Sports, Arts & Entertainment Management alumnus Brandon Moon shares his experience as an EDM tour manager with Afterthought! #PointParkUniversity #PointParkU ♬ original sound - Point Park Univ.

What did you enjoy about living and learning in Downtown Pittsburgh?

Downtown has this energy to it that's not comparable to anywhere else in the city. I'm originally from a pretty small town, so it was my first experience in any city and really helped me become more free and independent. Pittsburgh is a big, small city, which I also loved because it never felt overwhelming but also gave me the experience of a new way of living. The sights, the sounds and especially the food, really did it for me.

Describe your current role and what you enjoy about it.

I am currently the tour manager for Afterthought, a bass/hip hop DJ in the EDM industry. I have been in the EDM scene since I was in college and have always loved being around the music and going to shows and festivals. The EDM community is so welcoming, and I've had more fun going to these types of events than any other genre of music. I get to spend time with a lot of artists that I've looked up to for years and have become friends with quite a few of them, which is still surreal and never gets old to me. I love the traveling, the unknown of what any given night might entail as far as the work and the experience itself and just seeing these people have so much fun doing what they love to do.

What advice do you have for current SAEM students?

Go out and meet people, network as much as you possibly can and don't be afraid to do things that make you uncomfortable. Being uncomfortable gets you closer to your goals faster and will create so many more opportunities for you. I wouldn't be in the situation I am currently in if I didn't step out of my box and take some chances that I was nervous to take.

What are your fondest Point Park memories?

Living in Lawerence Hall is up high on the list, as well as being a member of the golf team, creating lasting friendships and memories with my teammates, listening to professors David Rowell, Steve Tanzilli, and Ed Traversari tell stories in class, running around the city and so much more. Point Park will always have a special place in my heart.

Why would you recommend Point Park and the SAEM program to a prospective student?

Point Park is such a fun environment. Being a smaller school where you really get to know everyone and being smack in the middle of the city, it's beyond unique. I also don't think there's another program at any college in the country that really compares to the SAEM program. At Point Park, you get real-life experience instead of just sitting in front of PowerPoint presentations and reading textbooks, which was huge for me as a visual learner who always struggled in school. On top of that, you don't just feel like a number in class. These professors really care about you and go out of their way to keep in contact with you after you graduate, too.

Is there anything else you would like to add? 

Some key things I try to remember every day:

• The most successful people I know are driven by passion, not money.
• You have to absolutely love what you do if you want to live a happy and fulfilling life, so keep taking chances and going out of your way whenever the opportunity presents itself.
• Work harder than the people around you, but always stay humble.
• Don't forget your worth.

Connect with Brandon Moon '15

More About: faculty, sports, arts and entertainment management, Rowland School of Business, alumni, Downtown Pittsburgh, success story, Pittsburgh