M.A. in Media Communication Student Worked as Video Coordinator for USA Hockey Team Event in Russia

Meet Ellyn Stanton

Job Title & Employer: Video Coordinator (volunteer), USA Hockey
Major/Program: Media Communication-M.A.
Graduation: April 2019
Hometown: Washington, Pa.
High School: Canon-McMillan High School
Now Living In: Washington, Pa.
Hobbies & Interests: I grew up playing hockey and it’s always been a huge passion of mine. I enjoy playing, watching and coaching hockey. I also completed my first half marathon last May in Pittsburgh and am signed up for two more this year, one in May in Washington, D.C. and in Dayton, Ohio in September. I also love spending time with my family and my two-year-old niece.

"My experience as a graduate assistant in the School of Communication helped me to land this role. They saw that I was in a position where I work with cameras and editing software and am in classes learning more about this field."

Ellyn Stanton

You were a video coordinator for USA Hockey at the 2019 Winter University Games in Russia. How did this opportunity come about?

I received my undergraduate degree in communications from Adrian College, where I played hockey. My former coach, Brett Berger, told me about this opportunity and I was interested in taking on the challenge. Because of my experience at Adrian College and now at Point Park, they saw that I was capable of filling this position.

What were your key responsibilities in this role?

The event I worked at was the 2019 Winter University Games (or Winter Universaide) in Krasnoyarsk, Russia. While in Krasnoyarsk, I was responsible for filming practices and games, breaking down and editing certain plays and setting up a meeting room so the coaches could go over the footage with the players. The games were officially March 2-12 (we arrived early to practice).

How have your Point Park classes and graduate assistantship prepared you for this role?

Point Park really helped to prepare me for this role in several ways. For one, my experience as a graduate assistant in the School of Communication helped me to land the role because they saw that I was in a position where I work with cameras and editing software and am in classes learning more about this field.

My time at Point Park has really helped to strengthen my skills in filming and editing. The classes I help with have served as a refresher for me with video composition, lighting, etc. And of course, the more time that I have using equipment is helpful and there are many opportunities at Point Park to do real-world, hands-on work.

Why would you recommend Point Park to a prospective graduate student?

I would highly recommend Point Park to a prospective graduate student because the professors have all worked in the field and really know what they are talking about. The class sizes are small, which is very nice because then you can get to know your professor better and have opportunities to ask questions. Everyone at Point Park has been very helpful and they all want to prepare their students for the real world and finding good jobs.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Traveling abroad was an amazing experience and is very eye-opening. I would recommend everyone take an opportunity, if they have one, to travel abroad.

M.A. in Media Communication Student Worked as Video Coordinator for USA Hockey Team Event in Russia Student Profile