School of Communication Alumnus Robert Trinkle is an Officer, Program Manager for PNC Charitable Trusts Alumni Profile

Meet Robert Trinkle '12

Job Title & Employer

Officer, Program Manager, PNC Charitable Trusts

Major/Program

Public Relations & Advertising

College Activities

United Student Government (USG)

Hometown

Philadelphia, Pa.

High School

Woodlynde School

Now Living In

Mt. Washington, Pa.

Hobbies & Interests

Learning how to cook, entertaining friends, traveling, volunteering, playing piano, spending time with my two rescue dogs

What are your key responsibilities at PNC?

I am responsible for the administration of grant distributions for charitable trusts within Pennsylvania, New Jersey and other states across PNC's footprint. As part of my job, I communicate and meet regularly with nonprofits across the nation to learn about their programming and establish a partnership to help further support their mission when possible.

What do you enjoy most about your job and why?

Working in philanthropy can be both a rewarding and challenging job all in one. You want to help every worthwhile organization that comes across your desk, but you only have a finite amount of funds.

While it may be a personal struggle at times, it is rewarding in that you are able to help advance the mission of organizations that are truly aiding an underserved or vulnerable population. Being in this line of work has opened my eyes to both the need within these communities and the unique organizations who seek to improve them.

What do you believe sets Point Park’s School of Communication apart from other universities?

The intimate class sizes allowed me to be more engaged, connected and inspired to learn. Point Park’s School of Communication incorporated real-world scenarios into their curriculum through interactive exercises and coursework, which helped ready me to be more prepared for life after graduation.

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

My education from Point Park's School of Communication was the catalyst that enabled me to transition seamlessly into the post-graduate world.

The smaller classes gave me time to really get to know the instructors. Being afforded the opportunity to learn about their experiences in the field, the different career paths they each took and the challenges they faced was very helpful. I was very proud of my education, and I know that carried over into interviews once I graduated.

That being said, having an established relationship through networking with major corporations headquartered here in Pittsburgh made the transition to PNC seamless for me.

What advice do you have for prospective students?

College is where you'll learn the fundamentals of your career. But, there are two more important things you'll learn: how to learn and how to work with others.

Get involved on campus. Take part in internships. Join young professional organizations. Ask questions. Gaining social skills and understanding how to adapt your learning capabilities is just as important for a happy and successful career.

Final thoughts?

Prior to joining PNC Charitable Trusts, I worked for a subsidiary of PNC called Hawthorn, PNC Family Wealth®, a business dedicated to serving the needs of individuals and families with investable assets in excess of $20 million. In collaboration with Hawthorn clients and other advisors, I was responsible for integrating clients’ strategic philanthropic considerations and preferences with their wealth, family goals and multi-generational educational needs.

As an advocate for our communities, I also serve as a board member of the Humane Animal Rescue as well as a young professionals board member of HEARTH, an organization committed to providing services to survivors of domestic violence.

More About: success story, School of Communication Alumni, internships, United Student Government, Student Government Association, public relations and advertising, School of Communication, alumni, faculty