The Johnnies Blog

Welcome to Johnnies Blog—your essential guide to college. From making friends and navigating New York City, to building a career-ready degree, our student stories and expert advice bring the college experience to life. Whether you’re exploring majors, planning to apply, or seeking support for a balanced and purposeful college journey, we’re here to inform, inspire, and connect you every step of the way.
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
Student networking with career professionals at a career fair

Level Up: 6 Networking Tips Every College Student Should Know

Networking is more than just exchanging contact information—it’s about building meaningful relationships that can shape your personal and professional life. Like many students, I once believed networking was only for those nearing graduation—something to worry about later. But I quickly realized that it’s one of the most valuable skills you can develop in college.

In this blog, I share six tips on how to network without feeling “icky” or “sales-y.” While grades and extracurriculars are important, building relationships with peers, professors, and professionals can open doors you never saw coming.

Aishwarya Gupta
St. Augustine building featured on background of phone

5 Free Digital Apps That Every College Student Should Have

As a senior at St. John’s University, I've found that certain free digital apps have been crucial in helping me stay organized, productive, and connected. Whether they are study tools, productivity applications, or communication platforms, these apps have transformed my academic journey and made college life much easier.

St. John's University Student
Madison Coombs
Two students in professional attire for a career fair event

Future-Proof Your Career: The Top 10 Skills Employers are Looking for in 2025

In today's rapid job market, staying ahead is non-negotiable. Developing future-ready skills is crucial, particularly as the evolution and integration of artificial intelligence and other technological innovations is redefining the business world (and how we engage in it). Upskilling is no longer a “nice-to-have,” but instead a necessity, to enhance your employability and open doors to higher-paying or leadership-oriented roles.

St. Johns Unviersity Students walking on the Queens, New York campus

Top Tips for Staying Healthy and Stress-Free in College

Let’s be real: college life can feel like a constant juggling act. Between late-night study sessions, back-to-back classes, and trying to have a social life, taking care of yourself might not always make it to the top of your to-do list. But here’s the thing—if you’re running on empty, everything else gets harder.