On Friday, Nov. 22, Congressman Tim Murphy ventured to BPHS to talk to students. Congressman Murphy was featured as a speaker for the Career Spotlight Series.
He talked to students about careers in the government. In addition to government careers, Congressman Murphy brushed over jobs in the medical and natural gas field.
Congressman Murphy is the US Representative for Pennsylvania’s eighteen congressional district, as he has served since 2003. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio and received his B.S. from Wheeling Jesuit University; he received his Master’s from Cleveland State University and Ph.D. from the University of Pittsburgh.
Congressman Murphy said, “After college, I became a practicing psychologist. I also went on to become an assistant professor at the University of Pittsburgh.”
As Congressman Murphy began his presentation, the LGI room was packed with over forty students. Superintendent Ms. Nancy Rose introduced the Congressman.
Throughout his presentation, Congressman Murphy focused on the different aspects of college.
He said, “Before going to college, know what you are getting into. Pick a major you love and a major that will get you a job after graduation. Most importantly, make sure you love what you’re doing.”
Congressman Murphy went on to highlight how political science could give a student an edge if they wanted to work for the government. He said anyone can work in the government. As a practicing psychologist, he had no idea he was going to become a US Congressman.
College is all about the experience and where the journey leads you.
Congressman Murphy’s presentation flowed into how Western Pennsylvania is the epicenter for the natural gas industry. The natural gas industry is creating a “trickle-down effect,” as its provided jobs across all industries.
“The expansion of Marcellus and Utica Shale has impacted the economy in Western Pennsylvania in many ways,” Congressman Murphy said. “Many of the top companies like Chevron, Williams, and Halliburton have moved into Pittsburgh. Car dealerships are booming because contractors and companies are buying trucks and SUVs.”
Congressman Murphy went on to talk about the medical field in Pittsburgh, as Pitt boasts a topnotch medical program.
As he was wrapping up his presentation, he answered an array of questions. He addressed questions concerning gun laws, the debt ceiling, filibusters, Edward Snowden and the NSA surveillance program, turmoil in the Middle East, and Iran’s nuclear weapons.
At the end of the presentation, a large group of students rushed Congressman Murphy to ask follow-up questions. Congressman Murphy stayed after and answered the individual questions from students.
As Congressman Murphy ended, the faculty and students gave Congressman Murphy an enthusiastic Black Hawk applause.
