Tiffany currently serves as Student Program Administrator for the Big Idea Center at Pitt’s Innovation Institute. She assists in the administrative duties and logistics of Big Idea Center programs for students as well as manages all of our digital marketing efforts. Get to know her better in our Q&A!
When did you join the Big Idea Center?September 2019
What do you like about working at the Big Idea Center?
I really like getting to work with students, getting to know them better, and seeing how they grow and develop throughout the year! It’s super rewarding to see how someone completely new to the Big Idea Center can create an idea, learn the ropes of starting a startup, and then really become passionate about what they’re doing and pursue it as a career well beyond their time at Pitt! I think being able to witness the beginning stages of what could become a successful, impactful company is exciting! Additionally, I’ve also enjoyed getting to know our alumni and what their startups/entrepreneurial journey looks like now.
How has entrepreneurship played a role in your life?
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- Both of my parents are small business owners, with my dad having his own diesel mechanic business for over 25 years and my mom doing office work for his garage and then starting her holistic health/Reiki business when I was a sophomore in college. So, entrepreneurship has always been present in my life – even before I was born! Thanks to my parents, I’ve learned the pros and cons of having your own business, how to calculate certain business costs, how to conduct business ethically, how to treat customers and suppliers well, and much more! I’ve even had the opportunity to help market both of my parents’ businesses while I was in college and still do to this day.
- Additionally, most of the internships and jobs that I’ve landed were at various small businesses in Western PA, so professionally I’m more familiar with the culture/operations of small businesses which has definitely influenced my work style (for example, I value when a company allows me to have autonomy in my work, try out new campaigns, ideas, and fosters a tight-knit community with my colleagues).
School background
I have a Bachelor’s of Science in Marketing Management from Grove City College, and am currently enrolled in the Accounting Micro-credential program at the Katz School of Business. I’m planning to pursue my MBA at Katz part-time while working at the Big Idea Center come summer 2021!
Work background
1. Marketing intern for Hovis Auto & Truck Supply – I helped with planning customer appreciation events such as our Summer Sizzler cookouts, Annual Car Cruise, and Annual Golf Outing as well as market the company’s training classes and product deals at all 13 locations. I even helped with the grand opening of their North Huntingdon location!
2. Marketing & hospitality intern for KeyBank Pavilion (now called S&T Bank Music Park) – One perk of working there was that I was able to listen to all of the concerts for free while I was working! (Some concerts I had worked included Muse, One Republic, Nickelback, Train, Incubus, Zach Brown Band, and my favorite band PVRIS!)
3. Marketing intern for DuraEdge Products – They are a small company located across the street from my college that provides infield dirt for the majority of MLB teams (including the Pittsburgh Pirates!) – I never knew that there was so many different kinds of dirt! One of the biggest projects I worked on was designing their annual product catalog!
4. Marketing intern for Stack’d Burgers – I ran the social media and helped create different promotions/advertisements for each of the 4 Stack’d locations and even helped in marketing the grand opening of their Hampton location!
5. Marketing Director for Chick-fil-A Robinson – This was my first full-time job out of college! I was the entire marketing department, so I did a little bit of everything in this role. I ran the social media, ran the back-end of the Chick-fil-A One app for my location, created email campaigns, created in-store promotions, planned/executed in-store events, made community appearances with the cow mascot at PNC Park, Robert Morris University, and much more!
6. Student Program Administrator for the University of Pittsburgh’s Big Idea Center – I get to help Jess and Babs with the logistics of our yearly programs as well as run our social media (@pittbigidea on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter) and manage our Big Idea Blog!
Hobbies
- Reading (I love the Hunger Games series!)
- Baking
- Colorguard
- Exploring Pittsburgh
- Playing with my cat June
- Going to parks
Fun facts about you
- I was an events intern for a cruise to Mexico with some Pittsburgh Steelers – I got to meet and work with Joe Greene and JuJu Smith-Schuster!
- I’ve swam with dolphins and manatees!
- I’ve met Sidney Crosby and have a hat signed by him!
- I was in a sorority all 4 years of undergrad, we have our 100th reunion this year!
Favorite things about Pitt
- The Cathedral of Learning – I love seeing it on my commute to work and I also really enjoy the Nationality Rooms!
- The scenery/architecture on campus
- The wide variety of programs/events
- The students!
Favorite things in Pittsburgh
- Pamela’s Diner (I’m a sucker for breakfast food)
- The Strip District
- Kayaking by Point State Park
- Pittsburgh Penguins
- Sarris Candies flagship store/ice cream parlor
- North Park
- Café des Amis
If you'd like to get in touch with Tiffany, email her here.