The Johnnies Blog

Welcome to the Johnnies Blog—where your college journey comes into focus. Designed for prospective students and their families, this space brings together authentic student voices, expert perspectives, and practical guidance to help you explore opportunities, navigate decisions, and build a meaningful path forward.
Students working at computers and in front of a large cybersecurity screen

How to Get into the Cybersecurity Field

Whether you are a career-changer or a recent graduate looking to break into the cybersecurity industry, there are a few key things you can do to succeed.

Graudates with back to camera caps in air

How to Build Your Personal Brand as a Student or Young Professional

Think personal branding is just for influencers or people with shiny business cards? Not anymore.

Whether in college, working part-time, or still figuring things out, you already have a personal brand. The real question is whether you’re intentionally building it or letting it develop on its own without your input.

As a university career advisor, I’ve worked with dozens of students and young professionals learning to own their voice early. In this post, I break down what personal brand means and give clear, actionable steps to shape your brand with intention.

Nikki Pebbles-Perretti Assistant Director, Career Advising | St. John's College & School of Education
Nikki Pebbles-Perretti
St. john's university student in a red cap and gown

What Helped Me Succeed as an International Student? A Mentor Who Believed in Me

Starting college is a big step—but doing it in a completely different country? That takes a special kind of courage. When Antonia Cuellar Urrutia ’25C arrived in New York from Santiago, Chile, she was excited, determined, and far outside her comfort zone.

But amid it all, she found something that changed everything: mentorship.

Group of students walking down the hallway discussing their M.B.A. studies.

Healthy Relationship Tips for College—and Life 

Whether it’s your roommate, study buddy, or significant other, the people around you shape your college experience. But what does a healthy relationship look like—and how can you make sure the connections you form support your personal growth? 

St. John's Salvatore Guimaraes
Salvatore Guimaraes
St. john's university cyber security grad student on a computer

The Role of Generative AI in Cybersecurity

Discover how generative AI is revolutionizing cybersecurity. Gain new insights for cybersecurity professionals with St. John’s University, New York's M.S. in Cyber Security Program.

St. John's Career Services Adviser, Nikki Peretti

How to Advocate for Yourself at Work as a Young Professional

Starting your career is exciting—but it can also be intimidating. As an Assistant Director of Career Services at St. John’s University, I’ve worked with many students and young professionals navigating this transition. One of the most important skills you can build early on? Self-advocacy.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through what it means to advocate for yourself, why it’s essential for your growth, and practical tips to help you go from overlooked to empowered—without losing your authenticity.

Nikki Pebbles-Perretti Assistant Director, Career Advising | St. John's College & School of Education
Nikki Pebbles-Perretti
St. John's University student in a white lab coat, participating in research

Undergraduate Research: Why You Should Get Involved

You don’t have to wait until graduate school to start your research journey. Undergraduate research offers you the opportunity to explore the subjects that inspire you; work alongside faculty who are experts in their fields; and apply what you’re learning in meaningful, real-world ways.

In this blog, you learn more about what undergraduate research is, what it looks like in practice, and how it can shape your college journey.