On Friday, September 13, students from the Eberly College of Business at ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø had the opportunity to participate in a field trip experience to the PNC headquarters and BNY’s satellite location in Pittsburgh. This diverse group included students from various majors, including finance, economics, accounting, supply chain management, marketing, and several others, representing all undergraduate academic years.
The group left early in the morning, first heading to PNC’s headquarters, the Tower at PNC Plaza, one of the few platinum-rated structures in the city. Upon arrival, they were greeted by several recruitment representatives, including IUP alumna Brianna Rainey ‘18, who treated them to breakfast and shared insights about various rotational programs, including accounting, finance, wealth management, and quantitative analysis. Once settled, the recruitment team presented an outline of their various roles and areas of specialization, including human resources, supply chain, finance, accounting, and marketing. Each representative shared their career journeys and insights into their current positions, what they seek in recruits, and the available internships PNC offers to college students interested in banking.
Joseph Albanese, an accounting major expected to graduate in May 2026, reflected on this part of the trip: “My visit to PNC and BNY was nothing short of incredible. Touring the building was a highlight, especially as a Pittsburgh native; seeing it from the inside was truly special.”
After the presentation, the group was divided into two groups for guided tours of key locations within the Tower, including the auditorium, dining facility, outdoor dining terrace, and office space. The group's tour culminated in the atrium, which featured a wall of glass windows offering a stunning unobstructed view of the city below.
Next, students visited BNY’s satellite office in Pittsburgh. They began by enjoying lunch and casual conversation with BNY staff. Key team members, including the managing director and vice president of the Early Careers Team, discussed their roles within the company, available opportunities for recent college graduates, and an overview of the company’s organizational structure. The VP answered questions and offered recommendations for applying to internships and entry-level positions. Students also enjoyed a fun trivia game focused on financial terms, adding a lighthearted touch to the day.
Allison Johnson, a finance major expected to graduate in May 2026, shared her thoughts on the facilities: “What was most impressive was the tour of the facilities at both PNC and BNY. The Tower at PNC Plaza boasted 33 green energy-efficient stories and a variety of personalities, whether it was the antique barn shiplap walls in the cafeteria, the written history of the bank spanning several floors, or the Ferrari leather seats in the auditorium. It was a privilege to have these representatives from both PNC and BNY give the students of Eberly an exclusive experience.”
Following this, BNY interns held a panel discussion to share their experiences and tips for maximizing internship opportunities. One intern shared their recent transition from an internship to full-time employment at BNY after graduation. Emily Smallwood, a marketing major expected to graduate in May 2027, voiced her initial hesitation about the banking industry before the trip: “I was proved wrong. It allowed me to realize that everyone has skills that can fit somewhere in the workplace, even if they are not finance or accounting majors. It also reminded me to keep an open mind about my future and to never pass up opportunities to learn more about the business world. I found value in the advice given to someone my age.”
The visit concluded with a tour of the trading floor, which students noted resembled a mini-Wall Street, where the company performs stock exchange transactions. Students observed the equity trading side and the fixed-income area, featuring four monitors and Bloomberg terminals. They wrapped up the day with a panel of new analysts, some of whom are IUP alumni: K’mari Fitzpatrick ’22 and Leah Nardozzo MBA ’23 shared their experiences at BNY and discussed the company culture. The students were allowed to use the remaining time to ask any questions before departing back to IUP. Albanese captured the attitude of the day: “Overall, the day was a fantastic opportunity to learn about potential career paths as an accounting major and was an enriching experience for any business student.”
The trip provided valuable insights for current students while growing meaningful connections.
This field trip is an example of the supportive network and corporate outreach the Eberly College of Business offers. We are confident the connections students made during this experience will open opportunities for internships, jobs, and professional development.
Eberly College of Business thanks Dennis Stover for arranging this opportunity for our students.
