Young Alums, Great Jobs

Pittsburgh skyline

While many avenues can lead to success, Sam Tsai (CMU'07) and Andrew Seay (A'06,HNZ'08) can point to one resounding factor: support they received from the Peter C. Dozzi Family Foundation during their time at Carnegie Mellon.

"The Dozzi Foundation gave me financial support I needed to spend a summer in Pittsburgh steeped in real-world work," said Tsai, who interned at Collaborative Fusion, Inc., a small startup firm that specializes in emergency response in the event of major disasters. "It gave me great exposure to how  technologies can be used that were previously unfamiliar to me."

Available to all students, The Peter C. Dozzi Pittsburgh Internship Initiative was created in 2004 through a generous gift by Peter C. Dozzi, founder of Jendoco Construction Corporation, a Pittsburgh organization established in 1957.

The grant is made available for students who will be staying in the Pittsburgh Region to complete a summer internship experience, as an incentive to keep CMU talent in and around the Pittsburgh Region.

Tsai's experience landed him a job as a web developer for American Eagle Outfitters. And because Tsai's department is fairly new, he has the opportunity to make a significant impact on the growth, direction and overall experience of multi-channel shopping for American Eagle Outfitters' customers.

Outside of work, the Tsai remembers taking the summer to explore Pittsburgh and develop new relationships here.

"The people I have met in Pittsburgh have been the most instrumental factors in my growth in life and in my decision to stay in Pittsburgh," Tsai said.

Meanwhile, the Dozzi Foundation allowed Seay to spend the summer interning with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (PSO). He was hired full-time by the PSO upon completing his master's degree at Heinz College and is now a patron services representative.

"I enjoy working with our patrons and building relationships, and even friendships, with the people that are the lifeblood of the PSO," said Seay. "I also appreciate being able to use both of my degrees from Carnegie Mellon in my career. "

Seay's internship with the PSO not only launched his career, but it also gave him a chance to explore Pittsburgh. After  eight years here, Seay calls the city home.

"To me, Pittsburgh is the perfect big city, but with a small town feel to it.  It offers world-class arts and entertainment that is affordable," said Seay. "I don't have to go to New York City to see a great play or a musical; I can see it at one of our theaters downtown."

Seay added, "The region's parks are also wonderful. I love being able to walk to two city parks from my apartment and to leave behind a stressful day while on a hike.  Besides, where else can you find world-class sports teams like the Steelers?"

The Peter C. Dozzi Foundation will be honored as "Outstanding Foundation 2010" on National Philanthropy Day by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Western Pennsylvania Chapter on Nov. 18.


Related Links: Heinz College | AFPWPA: National Philanthropy Day Awardees


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