Alumni Spotlight: Christine Sperdute’s Internships Lead to Job in Health Programming and Promotion
Christine Sperdute is a 2014 alumna of the B.S. in Exercise Science program and a 2015 graduate of the Master of Science in Health and Physical Activity Programming and Promotion program. In this Q&A she discusses how Pitt’s programs helped her in her career goals. Her quotes have been edited for length and clarity.
What made you want to pursue a career in the health promotion and physical activity field?
Sperdute: Originally, I wanted to pursue a career as a physician’s assistant. However, during my sophomore year, I took a medical sociology course where I learned about the prevention of chronic disease versus the actual treatment of the disease. I decided I wanted to help people prevent disease through lifestyle changes such as healthy eating and exercise.
What was it about the School of Education program’s that drew you in?
Sperdute: Both at an undergrad and graduate level, I loved that the majors were a smaller cohort. I really got to know my classmates and my professors.
How did Pitt’s program prepare you for your current position as a Program Manager with UPMC?
Sperdute: I completed internships in both my undergraduate and graduate-level programs. These internship experiences were so valuable in preparing me to work in the field. I gained experience in cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation and then with lifestyle health coaching. Getting to explore these careers helped me learn what I liked and the direction I wanted to go.
Tell us more about your experience as an intern with UPMC Health Plan?
Sperdute: I got experience in cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation with UPMC, and then with lifestyle health coaching with UPMC Health Plan. I truly felt like part of the team and got to work on so many meaningful projects. I remember performing fitness testing on UPMC employees and it was always a blast! It truly provided me with great hands-on learning experiences.
What do you remember about being a student in the program?
Sperdute: My graduate experience was the best time of my life! As a GSA my days were incredibly busy, but I loved what I was studying and the small group feel.
Do you have a fun fact about yourself?
Sperdute: I have a dream to write and publish a cookbook one day! It wouldn’t be all healthy food necessarily, just a bunch of favorites passed down in the family or recipes I think I’ve tweaked and perfected over the years.
Learn More
Both the B.S. in Exercise Science and Master of Science Health and Physical Activity Programming programs are accepting applications. Apply now!
