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 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
Cyber Lab

10 Must-Have Skills for Cyber and Information Security Careers

Cyber and information security job requirements can vary based on the position, field, or focus of work. Yet, there are 10 key essential skills that will help you be successful in any job you choose as a cyber and information security professional.

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
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.

Work study student working on a computer

How Work-Study Can Launch Your Career: A Student’s Perspective

Have you ever wondered how to gain valuable work experience, earn money, and build connections—all while keeping up with your studies? Work-study programs provide the ideal way to balance these priorities and make the most of your college experience.

My name is Madison Coombs, and I’m a senior at St. John’s University. Over the past year, I’ve had the privilege of participating in the University’s work-study program, and it’s been a journey full of growth, challenges, and lessons. In this blog, I share my work-study story—highlighting how it has shaped me as a student and an aspiring public relations (PR) professional.

St. John's University Student
Madison Coombs
College Student Building a Linkedin Profile with their resume

How to Build an Exceptional LinkedIn Profile: Top Tips for Students

Building your digital branding strategy as a college student is essential for success in today’s professional world. A strong online presence opens doors to internships, alumni connections, and future career opportunities. With platforms like LinkedIn, you can position yourself as a standout candidate even before graduating.

This guide provides insights on building a solid digital brand that converts. It includes examples from St. John’s University students and faculty who have crafted exceptional LinkedIn profiles.

Young female professional
Toni Critelli
College student completing an internship in sports and sneaker culture, organizing shoes on display in a trendy sneaker store.

Your Guide to Careers in Sports and Sneaker Culture

Are you passionate about sports and sneakers? What if you could turn that passion into a career? With the rise of sneaker culture and its deep connection to the world of sports, there are now more opportunities to build a career at this exciting intersection. From design and marketing to athlete partnerships and merchandising, let’s dive into how you can explore a career combining sports and sneaker culture.