Rowland School of Business Clubs Collaborate with Professional Career-Readiness Center, Alumni on Networking Event
Photo by Kellie Strate '27.
"Committing to the networking process consistently allows us to build out our professional circle, educate ourselves and position ourselves as attractive candidates for job opportunities."
A trio of Rowland School of Business student organizations recently teamed up to present a networking event and workshop at the Professional Career-Readiness Center (PCRC).
The Student Accounting Association, Student Human Resources Association and Pioneer Tech Innovators brought students, faculty and alumni together to practice their networking skills in real time and gain valuable insights from the PCRC's staff.
"Point Park has taught me just how important networking truly is," said Joseph Phillips '25 '26, an accounting alumnus with a minor in Sports, Arts, Entertainment & Music Business and current MBA student. "Committing to the networking process consistently allows us to build out our professional circle, educate ourselves and position ourselves as attractive candidates for job opportunities."
Benefits of Student Organizations
Phillips is an audit intern at Urish Popeck & Co. and served as president of the Student Accounting Association (SAA). He is also a student ambassador for the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) and Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA). He is a member of the Alpha Chi Honors Society and was a finalist in multiple accounting-related student competitions.
"My involvement in the Student Accounting Association (SAA) has enhanced my college experience tremendously," he said. "In my time as SAA president, I connected students with industry professionals from a variety of organizations through planning our monthly meetings with guest speakers. These connections have and will continue to lead to employment, both internships and post-graduate full-time jobs, for Point Park students. Moreover, the SAA fosters an educational, positive and safe community for accounting-interested students."
Phillips' wide range of campus involvement and extracurriculars have enhanced his educational experience. In the accounting and MBA programs, he appreciates his professors' technical expertise in the accounting practice, as well as the efforts from the faculty and student organizations to connect students with job opportunities.
"Our professors in this program are experts in their field, benefiting from years of experience in the accounting industry," he said. "What we learn from them in the classroom is of the utmost quality and practicality. Furthermore, the accounting program utilizes the network of its faculty, students and alumni to help students get jobs. At every turn, somebody is helping you take steps to further your career."
Phillips took advantage of Point Park's Fast-Track Bachelor's to Master's Degree program to earn his MBA, through which he is earning both degrees in five years.
"This format allows me to obtain the 150 credits necessary to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) without the burden of excessive costs and time, and I get to do so in a manner that makes me a strong business professional," he said.
Building Networking Skills
Raquel Bryner is a senior human resource management major and president of Point Park's Student Human Resources Association (SHRA). Like Phillips, she has built meaningful relationships with peers, professors and industry professionals through her involvement in the club.
"Through SHRA, I have developed a strong professional network that will support me throughout my career," she said. "My involvement has helped me grow both professionally and as a leader. Collaborating with members and other organizations has strengthened my communication, decision-making and problem-solving skills."
Bryner said the networking event was a great way to learn about different career paths and real-world experiences of alumni who have been in her shoes.
"What I've learned about networking during my time at Point Park is that you just have to go for it," she said. "Professionals have all been in our position at some point, so there’s no need to be nervous. Once you start a conversation, it flows naturally, and before you know it, you’re building meaningful relationships. I've realized that networking isn’t just about exchanging information. It’s about making genuine connections."
Aside from the networking event, Point Park's SHRA chapter has hosted a Q&A with professionals from the Pittsburgh Human Resource Association, a holiday party that included a book donation drive to support Reading Ready Pittsburgh and meetings about timely topics in the HR field. The organization aligns seamlessly with the HR management degree coursework, so students gain relevant skills while building connections with people in the field.
"The coursework has provided a strong foundation in key HR concepts, while hands-on projects allow me to apply what I’m learning in a practical way," she said. "Faculty's insights go beyond textbook concepts, providing practical applications and industry perspectives that help bridge the gap between theory and practice. I am especially excited that Point Park offers the SHRM-CP Prep Course, which has equipped me to sit for the exam upon graduation. The foundational HR courses have been essential in building my knowledge of SHRM competencies, ensuring that I am well-prepared to succeed in the exam and beyond."
Creating Community
Jayme Miller '23, an accounting alumna and career preparation instructor for Job Corps, was among the alumni who attended the networking event. She said her campus involvement helped introduce her to many working professionals in the Pittsburgh region who offered career guidance and introduction opportunities to leadership at their businesses and organizations.
"As the former president of the Student Accounting Association, it brings me great joy seeing the club continue to succeed and put on spectacular events that evoke community engagement," she said. "It is also a pleasure getting to see both my former peers and new students and getting to spread the Point Park joy with them."
For Katherine Miller '17, a human resource management alumna and associate chapter director of Pittsburgh Human Resources Association, returning to campus to support SHRA and other Point Park students was a way to give back to the community that shaped her professional journey.
"By offering support, I could help current students access the resources and connections that were instrumental in my growth and provide reassurance and advice," she said. I was able to connect with current students, offering them guidance and sharing insights from my own career journey. This sense of giving back was particularly meaningful, as I reflected on the mentorship and resources that were available to me when I was a student. The event also reminded me of the lasting impact Point Park had on my personal and professional development."
"With its strong focus on career readiness and experiential learning, Point Park provides an environment where students can grow both academically and professionally," she said.
