Pitt students network

At first glance, the fourth annual Discover Pittsburgh in the East Club Lounge at Heinz… At first glance, the fourth annual Discover Pittsburgh in the East Club Lounge at Heinz Field last Thursday evening looked like a career fair with an open bar and a live band.

Jessica Eichner, one of the event’s planners, was quick to point out that this was not a job fair, though. She went on to say that students who attended were not looking for paid positions.

“This is more of a networking fair designed to promote awareness and display opportunities available to students that want to make a difference,” she said. “It’s like an introduction to the next step of your life.”

Pittsburgh’s Next, a non-profit group dedicated to helping young people become actively involved in the political, economic, cultural and social issues that affect Southwestern Pennsylvania, organized the affair.

“We’re expecting to see between four- and five hundred students tonight,” Eichner said. “They’ll be coming from schools as far away as Penn State Erie.”

The exhibits were diverse, ranging from charitable organizations to professional women’s football. There was even a housing community looking for new tenants. Some of the presenters included the Pittsburgh Public Theater, SMC Business Councils, The Neighborhood Academy, Coro Center for Civic Leadership and the American Cancer Society. Most of the parties present wanted to attract volunteers or create publicity.

“I didn’t know what to expect,” said Chatham College student Amanda Trapp. “I just want to learn more about the city.”

Students who registered ahead of time got a free drink at the bar and could enter a raffle to win gift certificates for local restaurants or tickets to a sporting event.

Chatham students Kate Jacobson and Amber Keech represented Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield at Discover Pittsburgh and were appropriately covered in blue paint.

“We’re here as a public service to heighten Highmark awareness,” Keech said, as she strained to talk above the music. “Last year we gave away bicycle reflectors.”

Ashley Elliott drove to the networking fair from Waynesburg College but went home disappointed. “I didn’t find any groups that are related to my criminal justice major,” she said.

Another person who came to the event with unrequited expectations was Duquesne University student Molly Greaves, who said, “I was hoping there would be more job opportunities.”

Students interested in attending future activities created by Pittsburgh’s Next should visit the group’s Web site at www.pittsburghsnext.org.