August 31, 2012
In many ways, Matthew O’Leary ’10TCB, ’11MBA is the classic St.
John’s story: a Queens kid who made the most out of his
opportunities. And, in typical St. John’s fashion, he understands
the impact he can make by giving back.
“As young alumni, it’s important that we contribute to the
University,” he explained. “Whether it’s our time or our resources,
we can help shape the future of today’s students, our way of
passing the torch to the next generation. It’s important to make
sure they have all the tools they need to join us in the
workplace.”
O’Leary currently works as Audit Semi-Senior at Holtz Rubenstein
Reminick LLP, and he credits much of his success to his time spent
on the Queens campus. In particular, he points to his leadership
roles on campus as some of the most rewarding experiences of his
college career.
“I gained a tremendous amount from working part-time for the
Department of Public Safety,” he noted. “In the three years I spent
there, I took on a major role writing computer databases and making
changes to data entry and data retrieval procedures. At a
relatively young age, I was able to get great experience in a
managerial role within a large organization, and that really
complemented what I was learning in school.”
Additionally, O’Leary used the Career Center on campus to find
internships, allowing him to gain firsthand insight into the world
of private equity, accounting and taxation. From his studies in the
classroom to his hands-on internships, O’Leary was well prepared
when it came time for his first job interview.
“I can’t even begin to tell you how prepared I was when it came
time to apply for jobs,” he explained. “That’s one of the reasons I
feel so strongly about giving back to St. John’s – it prepared me,
like so many other young alumni, for the jobs we have today.”
Though he’s only in his early 20s, O’Leary is glad to be part of
the St. John’s alumni network and excited to help today’s students
join that supportive group.
“I’ve been privileged enough to work with a lot of great accounting
professionals, some of whom are St. John’s alumni,” O’Leary said.
“It’s an outstanding and supportive community, and as young alumni,
we owe it to today’s students to help them make it here with
us.”
Make your gift to St.
John’s today.