PA Proud: A Degree in Pittsburgh, A Career in Philly

From Reading, Pa., a small town outside Philadelphia, the integrated marketing communication major with a minor in digital media arts and certificate in business management is excited to return home after commencement to bring new knowledge to the city that raised him. 

From “youse” to “yinz”

Ryan knew he wanted to earn his degree away from home to build confidence and independence, but he wanted to stay within Pennsylvania. 
 
“I wanted to be in a spot that had a lot of opportunity, and Pittsburgh was one of the areas I was looking to meet those needs,” he said. “I love that at Duquesne you have the opportunity to branch out, experience things and go off campus, but when you're back on campus you have that small town, community vibe that I'm used to.”
 
Coming from the Philadelphia area, Ryan enjoyed learning Pittsburgh vernacular—shopping cart vs. buggy and pop vs. soda. While terminology differs across the state, Pennsylvania cities’ love of their respective sports teams is a common thread.
 
“I’m a big sports fan. I've been to a Steelers game and obviously the Penguins play super close to campus,” he said. “One thing I always loved about Pittsburgh was PNC Park. That’s one of the best ballparks in the country and you can’t beat the view of the skyline or the good memories.”  

A horizon-expanding education 

On campus, Ryan joined the Public Relations Student Society of America where he held executive positions, including co-president. He also joined business marketing fraternity Pi Sigma Epsilon and worked as a residence life desk aide. 
 
Between his sophomore and junior years, Ryan had the opportunity to flex his love of sports as a game-day operations intern with a Double-A baseball team working on promotions and guest appearances.
 
The next summer, he gained even greater professional confidence as he interned with PNC’s product innovation team in downtown Pittsburgh. 
 
“The best part was seeing different projects from start to finish,” he said. “All of the interns had a capstone project. I was tasked with an assignment for the summer with employees of the team that I was working on, and I got to see that all the way through to the end of the summer.”

It’s time for bigger goals

Shortly after completing his internship and impressed by his dedication, PNC offered Ryan a full-time position that he’ll begin upon graduation. He credits the integrated marketing communication program and faculty who walked alongside him with preparing him for the role. 
 
“Dr. Sarah DeIuliis really looks out for her students,” said Ryan. “I credit her a lot with helping me look for internships and she's made a really big impact on me. I've had a lot of great professors and people in Liberal Arts who have cheered me on and helped me get where I am.”
 
As his time at Duquesne draws to a close, Ryan is prepared for anything and feels grateful that he took a chance and attended college across the state. He encourages others to step outside their comfort zones. 
 
“Put yourself out there and be open to new experiences and you’ll find your people,” he said. “Coming to Duquesne was one of the best decisions I've made with my life, for sure.”