Tell Us About Yourself.
Hello! My name is Sam Oliver. I am a Spring 2021 graduate from Duquesne University with a degree in Digital Marketing and Analytics with a minor in Sports Marketing. I grew up in Carnegie, PA, and have lived in Pittsburgh my entire life. I have previously worked in recording studios and the music industry; however, my favorite job was working as a camp counselor at Camp AIM, a summer camp for children and young adults who have physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges.
It has always been a goal of mine to complete studies for an MBA, and when I learned of the MBA-SBP program, I knew that I had to take a chance and enroll in a program that covered many of my interests. My career goal after completing this program is to have different paths available to me that allow me to pursue my dreams of working towards owning my own business.
What is One of Your Favorite Things to do in Pittsburgh?
One of my favorite things to do in Pittsburgh has become going on runs. Living in the Southside means that there are plenty of trails leading either into the city or out of the city along the rivers. Running is the perfect time for me to focus on nothing else but myself, and it is a great way for me to destress while working out at the same time. Another one of my favorite things to do in Pittsburgh is to try out all the small dive bars around the city and the South Side. It has become a great way to see new parts of the city while supporting small businesses at the same time.
What is the Most Interesting Place You Have Been?
Throughout my undergrad studies, I was blessed to have the opportunity to study abroad in Rome in Spring 2018 and Spring 2020, (even though it was cut short because of Covid). During my travels, I have been to places that I have always dreamed of seeing such as The Amalfi Coast, Switzerland, Cinque Terre, and Naples. However, the most interesting place I have been is Santorini Greece in May 2018. It was the most surreal place I have ever seen, and I cannot wait to go back one day, hopefully sooner than later!
What Skill Would You Like to Master?
I would love to master the guitar. Even though I have been playing for almost six years now, there is still so much more about the instrument that I would love to learn. I would like to learn much more about music theory and some of the more advanced aspects of guitar. Another skill I would like to master, or at least become better at, is golfing. I consider myself a pretty average golfer and have recently picked up playing again. Like running, for me it is one of the most relaxing things to do (when I can hit the ball straight).
What Are You Most Looking Forward to in the Next 10 Years?
Out of everything that can happen in the next ten years, I am looking forward to traveling the most. Having already traveled the world for almost a full year, I cannot wait to experience that feeling again. I fell in love with Italy when got the opportunity to travel, and I am extremely looking forward to experiencing different parts of the world. Along with traveling other countries, I am also looking forward to traveling and experiencing different states in America. I am excited to see where the next ten years will take me, and I hope to achieve those dreams following the completion of this program!
One-Year MBA 