Four Stories of Distinction among Tobin’s Class of 2020

The Peter J. Tobin College of Business continues to grow its worldwide reputation for training top-tier students through innovative programs that also guide them to pursue their careers with a passion that reflects ethical principles of the highest standards.

“Tobin takes pride in providing an education that is entrepreneurial, experiential, and global so that our students are prepared to excel and adapt to overcome challenges and succeed,” said Norean R. Sharpe, Ph.D., Dean of the Tobin College, Joseph H. and Maria C. Schwartz Distinguished Chair, and Professor of Decision Sciences.

Here are the stories of four members of Tobin’s Class of 2020 who embody these inspiring qualities.

Brianna Anello  

One word describes the job search of Brianna Anello: persistence. During her senior year, with steady guidance from University Career Services, she applied for jobs—and received many rejections along the way. She had already applied and been rejected for three different jobs at Bank of America when she suddenly heard from a recruiter about an alternative position that better matched her skills. After a December phone interview, which was followed by a virtual interview, Brianna got a phone call on New Year’s Day offering her a position in the Global Technology Analyst Program at the Bank of America Corporation Headquarters in Charlotte, NC.

“With rejection comes our greatest direction,” observed Brianna. The Astoria, NY, native majored in Management with a minor in Business Analytics, and credits her experience in the Executive-in-Residence Program (EIRP) and her internships as personal mile markers along her St. John’s journey. 

“The EIRP exposed me to great companies like Protiviti Inc. and Synchrony and prepped me for a corporate career upon graduation,” said Brianna. The EIRP is a unique feature of The Peter J. Tobin College of Businessthat provides undergraduate and graduate students with in-school opportunities to engage in real-world business consulting with actual business and nonprofit organizations. 

In addition, Brianna worked to activate a campus chapter of the Association of Latino Professionals For America (ALPFA), a national nonprofit organization that focuses on providing professional development workshops and career resources to its members to empower and develop leaders for the nation.

Relocating to Charlotte from Queens is not a concern for Brianna, but she acknowledges that it will be an adjustment for her tight-knit, multigenerational family. “Technology always helps; it is one thing that we have all become familiar with of late.”

Carmyn Cosey

A Marketing major from Atlanta, GA, Carmyn Cosey made it her personal goal to get involved on and off campus as an undergraduate in The Peter J. Tobin College of Business. Now, her hard work and determination are paying off, as her experience in Tobin’s Executive-in-Residence Program (EIRP) has led to a job offer in Manhattan.

Students in the EIRP act as business consultants for a wide range of businesses and nonprofit organizations. “After a semester working with Protiviti Inc., they offered me a position as a consultant in their New York office,” explained Carmyn.

While she spent her entire childhood in Georgia, the experience of being on her own in New York was transformative. “The transition of moving from Atlanta, GA, to a larger city made me become more independent,” she explained. “Once I arrived, St. John’s helped me improve my work ethic and my ability to manage my responsibilities.”

Carmyn interned in United Parcel Service of America, Inc.’s corporate offices, as well as at Cinematic Music Group, a label within Sony Entertainment. “I also worked in the Department of Languages and Literatures and as a writing tutor at the Writing Center,” she said. “I was able to manage the two positions and my course load, while also commuting to the city for internships.”

While much of Carmyn’s time at St. John’s was spent in the classroom and gaining valuable work experience as an intern, she still made time to enjoy life as a college student.

“My roommates and I used to go to the Red Storm Diner on campus at 2 a.m. and just laugh and talk until sunrise,” she recalled. “On the weekends, we would explore the city and try various restaurants. St. John’s quickly became my home, and the friendships I made there will remain with me for a lifetime.”

Maykel Eusebio

Brentwood, NY, native Maykel Eusebio knew St. John’s University was for him after attending the Career Opportunities in the Accounting Profession (COAP) program on the Queens, NY, campus. The COAP program, offered through the New York State Association of Certified Public Accountants, offers underrepresented youth the chance to learn about the accounting profession and cultivate important business skills.

It was there where Maykel met Mark M. Ulrich, Adjunct Assistant Professor, Department of Accountancy. “He is extremely welcoming and knowledgeable, and his energy and charisma are contagious,” the Accounting major recalled. “He is only one example of the dedicated and focused faculty at St. John’s.”

Maykel was a member of the University chapter of Beta Alpha Psi, the international honor society for accounting, finance, and information systems. Thanks to the connections he made there, he obtained a three-year internship at Ernst & Young (EY), one of the largest professional services firms in the world.

The internship led to a staff position at EY; Maykel credits St. John’s for providing the tools for his future success. “St. John’s helped me develop working habits that are essential for my life after college. It contributed to my growth both personally and spiritually. I am better prepared now to face future challenges.”

Gabriella Javinett ’18TCB

The first in her family to earn a college degree, Gabriella Javinett will launch her career in consumer insights in June with The NPD Group, a privately held market research company in Port Washington, NY. The resident of Marlboro, NY, joins her team as a Market Analysis Associate.

“I look forward to jumping into the fast-paced world of consumer insights to see where it will take me and what I will learn. In a quickly developing and highly intimate field, I hope to offer fresh perspective while striving to help companies find balance between quality data and consumer well-being,” said Gabriella, who is earning a Master of Business Administration degree with a concentration in Business Analytics and Finance. She also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing, with a minor in International Studies, from St. John’s. 

“I cannot imagine earning both my undergraduate and graduate degrees anywhere else in the world,” Gabriella said. “I stand at the end of this journey feeling nothing short of grateful for the opportunities I was able to seize, the knowledge I was able to gain, and the relationships I have developed over the past few years at this University.”

Gabriella noted St. John’s provided her with support every step of the way. “I had incredible teachers who helped me discover my passion for people and guided me to think in an entirely new way. The dedicated members of the University Career Services team were always available, and never hesitated to help me prepare for an interview or review my résumé.”