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Pictured is M.A./M.B.A. alumnus Mark Hirschfeld. Photo | Christopher Rolinson


Meet Mark R. Hirschfeld

Job title: Digital Marketing Specialist
Employer: Maronda Homes
Degrees earned: M.A./M.B.A., Point Park University, 2013 and B.A. in Advertising and Public Relations, Marietta College, 2009
Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pa.
Now living in: West End-Elliott, Pittsburgh, Pa.
Hobbies/interests: Camping, music, graphic design

What led you to pursue an M.A./M.B.A. degree at Point Park?

After a brief time in the nonprofit sector, I came to the realization that if I truly wanted to develop my skills and further my career, a graduate degree was going to be a necessary endeavor. The combination of the M.A. in journalism and mass communication and the M.B.A. created a very unique degree as it combines practical business theory with the means to communicate those ideas. These skills are especially important now that new communication methods are emerging everyday.

How has your M.A./M.B.A. degree helped you in your career?

Having the practical business experience and traditional M.B.A. core curriculum taught alongside the new age practices that are pulsing through mass communication and marketing continue to give me an edge in my career. Marketers today are being asked to have a broader range of skills and insights than in the past, and as the marketing landscape continues to evolve my M.A./M.B.A. gives me that competitive advantage.

What was it like going to graduate school in Downtown Pittsburgh?

It was exciting to be an active member of a new and rejuvenated Downtown Pittsburgh community. The rebirth of the Golden Triangle continues to flourish and Point Park University is smack dab in the middle of it.

Point Park's location was important, and since I was working full time while earning my M.A./M.B.A, convenience was key. I found the relationship between campus and the Downtown business community to be a huge advantage. This symbiotic relationship made the in-class curriculum jump off the page as it was brought to life by many of Point Park's faculty who are a part of this business community.

What are your current job responsibilities?

As a member of the digital marketing team, it is our responsibility to continually develop and refine the processes that we engage our customers with, across all digital marketing channels to:

  • Create a strategic digital marketing plan to change the engagement of company marketing messages;
  • Develop interactive email and content marketing;
  • Generate Internet leads by maintaining a professional, attractive and accurate presence on the Maronda Homes website, social channels and regional multiple listing services; and
  • Perform website maintenance for photos, renderings, floor plans, community descriptions and promotions.

What are your career goals?

Engaging in new marketing strategies can be a complex ordeal. My goal is to remain at the forefront of emerging marketing strategies so that I can develop the best experiences for our customers.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The continuation of education is important for both personal and professional development. It is important to continue this process even after you complete your degree.

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