Alumni Q&A: Meet Kristin Andreassi, Project Coordinator, HR Innovation & Experience, UPMC Corporate Services Alumni Profile

Tell us about the work you do for UPMC Corporate Services.

I am a copywriter and content creator for UPMC's HR Innovation & Experience team. My work focuses on recruitment marketing, so I write copy for various ads and fliers and create content for the UPMC Careers blog and social media platforms, in addition to conducting market research.

My goal is to showcase current employees in a meaningful way to inspire those who are considering a position with UPMC to browse opportunities and submit their application. My role at UPMC made an immediate positive impact on my life, and I hope to lead others to a similar experience through my work.

In what ways has Point Park put you on the path to reaching your career goals?

Point Park's smaller class sizes gave me the opportunity to get to know my professors, many of whom became invested in my future and success. I was always proud to share my wins with them as a student, and now as an adult in the working world.

While some of them have retired or no longer work at the University, I'm still in contact with them through social media and look forward to sharing updates and staying connected. Building a working relationship with professors can create meaningful connections beyond Point Park — Helen Fallon connected me to my internship at the United Steelworkers, as well as my first full-time role after graduating.

Beyond that, my experience in student organizations and leadership roles provided me with the confidence and professionalism I needed for job interviews after graduation. From public speaking and interviewing skills obtained as Editor-in-Chief of The Globe to formal research and presentation skills I learned through the National Collegiate Honors Council Conference, the opportunities I had set me up for success.

Why did you choose Point Park University?

I knew the reputation of the journalism program is highly-regarded in the area. I attended high school media days and fell in love with the campus and the professors before I even applied. I knew that many of the professors who would be teaching in my major still worked in the industry at the area's top publications, leading to relevant course material and meaningful connections. Point Park's location in the city also sets students up for seemingly endless internship and post-grad job opportunities.

What are your favorite Point Park memories?

I have so many amazing memories from Point Park — going sled riding during a particularly big snowfall at the Point, meeting my husband and building friendships as close as family at The Globe, traveling to Denver to present my research at an Honors Conference — but my favorite memory is traveling to Iceland and Ireland for the International Media class. We spent the semester studying the history, culture and media of the two countries. I walked in Commencement, and then a couple weeks later, we all departed! In addition to some breathtaking sightseeing, we visited media outlets in each country like Reykjavik Grapevine Media and BBC Northern Ireland.

What advice do you have for prospective students?

Get involved! Find your passion and pursue it through student organizations. If you find that taking classes for your major isn't quite fulfilling for you, see what clubs and organizations there are that can amplify your interests. The Globe and SPJ helped immensely to bolster my writing skills and connect me with other students who shared similar interests to my own, which also helped expand my social circle.

Similarly, my apprenticeship with the Honors Program allowed me to explore marketing and design, which helped develop another interest of mine, but it also connected me with the Honors Student Organization Executive Board — a group of academically-driven students dedicated to serving the community. I think sometimes it can be easy to get lost in checking the boxes to get your degree, but the real experience is in finding your people.

More About: Honors Program, School of Communication Alumni, WPPJ, Butler Area High School, success story, The Globe, alumni, journalism, psychology, internships, School of Communication, Honors Student Organization