The Johnnies Blog

Welcome to Johnnie's Blog, your one-stop shop for navigating the college experience and beyond. Whether you're a future undergraduate or graduate student, we're here to help you make the most informed decision about your future and prepare for success.
St. John's Alum Headshot, Duane Shippey

Building a Finance Career: Lessons from a VP at BNY Mellon

Are you interested in a finance career where you can help people achieve financial empowerment? In this Q&A session, you get to know Duane Shippey, a St. John’s University alumnus. As the current Vice President (VP) of Client Services at BNY Mellon, Mr. Shippey shares his journey of building a career in finance, the skills he has developed, and the challenges he has faced and overcome.

Young female professional
Toni Critelli
Homeland Security Lab

Homeland Security & Criminal Justice Leadership: Master Dual Program

In today’s dynamic landscape, a career in homeland security and criminal justice leadership is a responsibility—a dedication to safeguarding communities and upholding equity. A cornerstone of meeting this responsibility lies in an understanding of both homeland security and criminal justice leadership, the discipline in which encompasses unique insights and challenges that demand specialized knowledge and skills. Homeland security demands a keen understanding of cybersecurity, counterterrorism, and emergency preparedness, while criminal justice leadership focuses on enforcing laws and ensuring equitable justice for all.

St. John's Alumna and Mental Health Advocate, Priscilla Agyeman

Prioritizing Your Mental Health in the Workplace: Q&A with Priscilla O. Agyeman ’16C

Balancing mental health and work responsibilities can be a challenging task. However, it is crucial to prioritize your well-being and seek support when needed to achieve personal growth and career success.
 
During this Q&A session, we speak with Priscilla O. Agyeman ’16C, a St. John’s alumna and mental health advocate. She shares her personal experience with mental health issues and the strategies she uses to navigate mental health in the workplace successfully. She also discusses the mental health resources she offers through her company, Saddie Baddies®.
 

Young female professional
Toni Critelli
Career Exploration in New York City St. John's University Group Photo

Fast-Track Your Future: Actionable Career Exploration for College Students

If you’re a current or soon-to-be college student, feeling anxious about your career plans is expected. You might encounter questions from others like, “Have you thought about internships yet?” or “Why haven’t you started networking?” which can add to the pressure. But don’t worry—that is what University Career Services is here for!

St. John's Nursing Students

First-Year Students Share Insights: ‘Why Do You Want to Be a Nurse?’

If you’re interested in positively impacting people’s lives, nursing could be the perfect career path for you! In this Q&A session, we speak to first-year nursing students Lauren Chan, Beverly Dekyem, and Natalia Dookharan. They share their personal experiences, on why they chose a nursing career path and their reasons for enrolling in the Bachelor of Science program in Nursing at St. John’s University. Read on for some inspiration!

Overhead of the Empire State Building in New York City

Navigating the Future of Homeland Security and Criminal Justice: From 9/11 to Tomorrow

In the wake of the tragic events of September 11, 2001, the United States found itself confronting a new reality—one marked by unprecedented threats to national security. In response to these challenges, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) emerged as a pivotal force in safeguarding the nation against terrorism and other hazards. The DHS represented the largest restructuring of the federal government since World War II, consolidating the efforts of 22 disparate agencies into a unified entity tasked with protecting the homeland. In this article, we examine the creation of the DHS and how it has evolved throughout the years—as well as what the future may hold for homeland security and criminal justice leadership.

Headshot of St. John's Alumna and founder of Fin Lit Kids

Financial Literacy Tips and Lessons from Ebony Beckford ’03CPS

Are you a college student or a recent graduate who wants to learn how to build a solid financial foundation for your future? In this Q&A session, we speak with Ebony (Rentas) Beckford ’03CPS, a St. John’s alumna who is an author, entrepreneur, and financial literacy advocate. Ms. Beckford shares her personal story of overcoming financial challenges during and after graduation. She also provides simple steps that anyone can take to develop a healthy relationship with money and how these practices are applied in her company, Fin Lit Kids.

Young female professional
Toni Critelli