PA Distance students had the unique opportunity to attend the Pittsburgh Penguins' first ever Careers in Sports Night, where they learned all about the wide range of career pathways within professional sports. From marketing to media, business operations to game-day entertainment, this event showcased the many roles that keep a major sports organization running.

Event: Pittsburgh Penguins - Careers in Sports Night
Date: March 11, 2025
Location: PPG Paints Arena

Career Pathways in Sports

At the event, PA Distance families were able to enter the arena at 4pm, 2 hours earlier than everyone else. The group sales department put on a panel discussion for students where members of their “behind the scenes” workforce presented their career path and answer questions from students. The event highlighted careers across multiple industries, including:

Marketing
Arts, A/V Technology & Communications
Human Services
Education & Training
Hospitality and Tourism

Careers Discussed

Marketing & Fan Engagement

Marketing Coordinator/Manager – Oversees promotions, sponsorships, branding, and fan engagement strategies.
Social Media Specialist – Manages digital content, interacts with fans online, and builds the team’s brand presence across social platforms.

Business & Operations

Human Resources Specialist/Manager – Handles hiring, employee relations, and workplace culture to support the organization’s workforce.
Executive Fellow – Gains experience in multiple departments, such as business operations, community relations, and marketing, to transition into a front-office role.

Media & Entertainment

Game MC/Announcer – Energizes the crowd, makes live announcements, and creates an engaging game-day atmosphere.

Who We Met

Students had the chance to engage with professionals working behind the scenes at the Pittsburgh Penguins:

The Panelists:

Howard Cole Jr – Manager, Group Sales (MC of the panel)
Jayden Becker – In-Arena Host
Sydney Blackman – Manager, Digital
Matalyn Holland – HR Operations Coordinator
Jaden Lindo – Executive Fellow
Ryan Sutton – Graphic Designer

Jayden Becker, one of our panelists, speaks to everyone about his role and his passion for hockey.

PA Distance Staff

Several teachers attended the Pittsburgh Penguins Careers in Sports Night, helping to connect students with real-world career insights. The teachers engaged with speakers and learning alongside students about the various roles within a professional sports organization. Their presence highlighted the importance of exploring career pathways beyond the classroom, and they were excited to see how different subjects—such as business, media, and communication—play a role in the sports industry. Their participation helped students make meaningful connections between their studies and potential future careers.

Mrs. Dempsey, Mrs. Metz, and Mr. Weddel were 3 of the teachers who attended the event!

Transportation:

One of our students riding the T after the game.

Another exciting element of the Pittsburgh Penguins Careers in Sports Night was the opportunity to experience public transportation. The group took the T from the North Shore, giving students a firsthand look at Pittsburgh’s light rail system. This added a real-world learning experience about urban transit, accessibility, and how people commute to major events in the city. It also tied into career discussions, as transportation and logistics play a key role in managing large-scale sporting events.

PA Distance Resources for Career Exploration

Students interested in sports careers can utilize the following school resources:

School Counselors – Guidance on career planning and academic pathways.
Job Shadowing Opportunities – Firsthand experience in potential career fields.
CEW Coordinator, Ms. Antonietta Riley antonietta.riley@padistance.org– Connects students with career education opportunities.

Exploring Careers in Sports Beyond the Event

One of the PA Distance Families who attended the event pose after the game, celebrating the exciting win!!

For students interested in breaking into the sports industry, Pittsburgh offers many opportunities for hands-on experience and career development:

1. Internships & Career Development Programs

Pittsburgh Penguins Internships – Opportunities in marketing, social media, business operations, and game presentation.
Pittsburgh Pirates & Steelers Internships – Internships in sports management, media, and fan engagement.
Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC – Roles in game-day operations, promotions, and community relations.

2. Education & Training Programs

Point Park University – Sports, Arts & Entertainment Management – A top program focusing on the business side of sports.
Duquesne University – Sports Marketing & Media – Offers degrees with connections to local sports teams.
University of Pittsburgh – Sports Management & Communication – Provides business-focused sports education.

3. Hands-On Experience & Volunteering

Pittsburgh Sports Commission & P3R (Three Rivers Marathon) – Volunteer opportunities at major sporting events.
Highmark Stadium & PPG Paints Arena – Game-day staff and event operations jobs.
Local High School & College Athletic Departments – Opportunities in marketing, announcing, and team operations.

4. Media & Broadcasting Opportunities

91.3 WYEP & 90.5 WESA – Media internships for aspiring sports journalists.
Pittsburgh Sports Now & The Post-Gazette – Platforms for sports writers and social media managers.
Pitt Studios (University of Pittsburgh) – Hands-on experience in sports broadcasting.

Resources for Learning More About Hockey

For students specifically interested in hockey, Pittsburgh offers several ways to get involved:

1. Hands-On Hockey Experience

Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation Programs – Youth development programs, free clinics, and educational resources.
Learn to Play Hockey (Pittsburgh Penguins & Sidney Crosby’s Little Penguins Program) – Beginner hockey lessons with equipment provided.
RMU Island Sports Center – Public skating, hockey lessons, and leagues.
UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex – Training camps, skills clinics, and open ice sessions.

2. Educational & Career Exploration

Pittsburgh Penguins Careers in Sports Night – Annual event highlighting careers in hockey operations, marketing, and media.
Point Park University – Sports, Arts & Entertainment Management – Coursework in hockey marketing, ticket sales, and event management.
Duquesne University & University of Pittsburgh – Sports Business Programs – Connections to local hockey organizations.

3. Volunteering & Behind-the-Scenes Access

Pittsburgh Penguins Game Day Staff & Internships – Event operations, promotions, and media opportunities.
Local Hockey Arenas & Youth Leagues – Volunteer with youth teams or work at ice rinks.
PPG Paints Arena Tours – Behind-the-scenes look at hockey operations.

4. Hockey Media & Journalism

Pittsburgh Hockey Digest & The Athletic (Pittsburgh Section) – Resources for aspiring sports journalists.
Penguins Radio Network & 105.9 The X – Covers Penguins games and analysis, great for sports broadcasting enthusiasts.
Pitt Studios & RMU Sports Media Programs – Training in sports journalism and game-day coverage.

Final Thoughts

Attending Careers in Sports Night with the Pittsburgh Penguins provided PA Distance students with an incredible opportunity to explore the many career paths in the sports industry. Whether through marketing, business operations, media, or fan engagement, the event highlighted how passion for sports can translate into a fulfilling career.

Interested in exploring more career opportunities? Reach out to Ms. Antonietta Riley, our CEW Coordinator, or visit our Community Engagement Events Page for more information on upcoming events!

Exploring Careers in Sports with the Pittsburgh Penguins