Point Park Internships: Avery Jerina '25 Gains Real-World Experience at Texas State Senate and Allegheny County Executive's Office Student Profile
Meet Avery Jerina '25
- Job Title & Employer
- Communications Intern, Allegheny County Executive's Office
- Major/Program
- Broadcast Reporting
- College Activities
- Point Park News Service, Honors Program, School of Communication Student Advisory Board
- Hometown
- Flower Mound, Texas
- High School
- Edward S. Marcus High School
- Hobbies & Interests
- Photography, hiking, ballet and baking
"I would recommend Point Park to any student who wants real-world experience and meaningful connections with faculty. Point Park encourages students to get involved early and learn by doing. The small class sizes, supportive faculty, and strong career resources make a huge difference and truly prepare students for life after college."
Why did you choose Point Park University, and what do you like about the broadcasting program?
When I was looking at colleges, I wasn’t fully sure what I wanted my future to look like. Point Park was actually the only out-of-state school I applied to. At the time, I was interested in the dance program but also knew I wanted to pursue broadcasting, and Point Park felt like a place where I didn’t have to choose just one path.
After touring the campus, I fell in love with the Downtown setting and the idea of learning in the middle of a city. I was drawn to the small class sizes and the real professional opportunities available to students. Point Park felt like the right mix of creativity, hands-on learning and stepping outside of my comfort zone. Looking back, I truly couldn’t imagine going to college anywhere else.
Tell us about the professional experiences you’ve had as a student.
Legislative Aide, Texas State Senate
One of the most exciting experiences I’ve had at Point Park was serving as a legislative aide in the Texas State Senate for my hometown district, which represents nearly one million people. Since Texas has a biennial legislature, the session moved quickly and was incredibly intense at times. I learned how the legislative process works from the inside, met with nonprofit organizations, lobbyists, and constituents, and helped address issues affecting both the district and the state. I even carried my own bill through the Senate, which later passed the House and was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott. It was a surreal and life-changing experience.
This opportunity wouldn’t have been possible without Point Park’s online program and the support of the Professional Career-Readiness Center. I was able to intern full-time in Texas while remaining a full-time student and receiving academic credit, which allowed me to stay on track for graduation. While in Texas, I also had the chance to connect with Point Park alumni, including Matt Adams, the director of Audience Growth and Engagement at The Texas Tribune. Meeting with him showed me how strong and far-reaching the Point Park alumni network truly is.
Allegheny County Executive's Office
After returning from Texas, I realized that government communications was the career path I wanted to pursue. This fall, I was brought on as a communications intern in the Allegheny County Executive’s Office, where I worked under Beth Turnbull, the deputy director of communications and a Point Park alumna. In this role, I helped create digital content, write and edit posts, take photos at events, track media coverage and support public messaging across platforms. Working alongside a Point Park graduate in a leadership role has been especially meaningful and has reinforced how well the university prepares students for careers in public service.
Point Park News Service
On campus, I’ve also been involved with the Point Park News Service, where I worked closely with other motivated students in a real newsroom environment. I gained experience pitching stories, interviewing sources and working under deadlines. Most recently, a story I reported on Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s adult fitness program was published by Pittsburgh Magazine, which showed me how directly hands-on classroom and student media experiences can lead to professional opportunities.
Avery Jerina Highlights Internship Experience at Allegheny County Executive's Office
How has Point Park prepared you for each of these roles?
Point Park pushed me to take advantage of every opportunity available. From my first year, I was encouraged to learn by doing. I gained hands-on experience in reporting, video production, writing, editing, and public communication, all with professors who genuinely cared about my growth.
Because of the small class sizes and constant real-world practice, I felt prepared to step into professional spaces early. Whether I was working in the Texas Senate, reporting for the Point Park News Service, or creating content for the County Executive’s Office, I felt confident asking questions, adapting quickly and contributing in meaningful ways.
Which faculty members and courses had a significant impact on you?
Several faculty members at Point Park have played a major role in shaping my academic and professional path. Andrew Conte, Ph.D., has been especially influential through my work with the Point Park News Service. His mentorship and real-world experience helped me grow as a reporter and taught me how to think critically about storytelling. I also benefited greatly from courses that included hands-on learning in broadcast reporting, digital media and mass communication. Those classes pushed me out of my comfort zone and gave me practical skills I could immediately apply in my internships.
What did you like about living and learning in Downtown Pittsburgh?
Living and learning in Downtown Pittsburgh was one of my favorite parts of the Point Park experience. Being in the middle of the city made everything feel real and relevant. I was surrounded by government offices, newsrooms, arts organizations and community spaces within walking distance. Downtown constantly felt alive, and that energy carried into my education. It taught me how to be aware of my surroundings, connect with different communities and see stories unfolding in real time.
What are your career goals?
My goal is to work in government communications, ideally at the federal level. I want to help make policy and public initiatives easier to understand and more accessible to the people they impact. I’m passionate about public service and storytelling, and I hope to continue growing in public affairs and civic communication.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Go Pioneers!