Meet Roger Maloney: St. John’s New Advocate for Alumni Career Success
At St. John’s University, our commitment to success doesn’t end at graduation—it evolves. We’re thrilled to introduce Roger Maloney, our new Associate Director of Alumni Career Services. With a passion for empowering graduates, he aims to connect our alumni with the tools, networks, and opportunities to drive their success long after they leave campus.
In this Q&A, Mr. Maloney reflects on the experiences that have shaped his approach and reveals how he plans to elevate alumni career support at St. John’s.
Can you share a little about your background in education and professional development?
Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to build a diverse and fulfilling career across career coaching, recruitment, and education. Each step of my journey has been driven by a passion for helping others succeed and a commitment to making a positive impact. Most recently, I served as the Career Coach Manager at Lehman College, where I was proud to be part of the CUNY Futures in Finance program. This role gave me the fantastic opportunity to guide students as they prepare for successful careers in finance, which was rewarding and incredibly inspiring.
My background as a job recruiter has also been a crucial part of my journey. In that role, I managed high volumes of candidate applications, sourced talent, and built strong relationships with candidates and hiring managers. I take great pride in ensuring that the recruitment process runs smoothly and that everyone finds the right match.
In addition to my work in recruitment and coaching, I’ve also enjoyed serving as a college admission counselor. In that role, I had the chance to guide prospective students and their families through the admission process, helping them understand the wide range of courses and opportunities available. It was incredibly fulfilling to support students in making one of the most important decisions of their lives—choosing the right college. I also represented the college at various educational events and fairs, which allowed me to connect with diverse students and families, helping them navigate the sometimes-overwhelming world of higher education.
My time as a substance abuse and prevention specialist was a unique and impactful chapter in my career. This role was both challenging and deeply rewarding. I focused on empowering students to overcome the barriers they faced in their education and helping them with career development planning. It was a role that required a lot of compassion, understanding, and a commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of the students I worked with. Seeing these students overcome their challenges and move forward with their education and careers was one of the most rewarding experiences of my career.
What inspired you to pursue a career in alumni career services? And what attracted you to St. John’s University?
I was inspired to pursue a career in alumni career services because I believe that career development doesn’t stop at graduation. Alumni continue to evolve in their professional lives, and they often need guidance, resources, and a strong network to navigate new challenges. The idea of supporting graduates throughout their entire career journey is what drives me.
What attracted me to St. John’s University is its commitment to diversity, service, and the holistic development of its students. The University’s mission to empower students from all walks of life resonates deeply with me. I saw an opportunity to contribute to a vibrant community that values both academic excellence and social responsibility, and I knew this was the right place for me to make an impact.
What are some of the most rewarding experiences you’ve had in your career, and how have they shaped your approach to career development?
One of the aspects of my career that I find most rewarding is leading career development workshops. I’ve had the privilege of working with a diverse range of individuals, from students to unemployed adults, covering various essential topics like résumé writing, job search strategies, networking, and work ethics. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about helping people build the skills they need to pursue their career aspirations. I’ve seen firsthand how these workshops can transform someone’s confidence and outlook on their future.
In addition, I’m particularly proud of the partnerships I’ve forged with several colleges over the years. These collaborations have allowed me to organize workplace visits and bring in guest speakers from leading companies like NBC Universal, Google, and MTV Networks. These events gave students invaluable insights into the media and technology industries and opened new career paths for them to explore. Seeing students inspired and excited about their futures after these events has been incredibly rewarding.
These experiences have given me a well-rounded perspective on career development, and I’m passionate about using this knowledge to support both students and adults in reaching their full potential. I genuinely believe that everyone has the potential to achieve great things, and it’s my mission to help them realize that potential.
What will your primary responsibilities be as the Associate Director of Alumni Career Services?
As the Associate Director of Alumni Career Services, my primary responsibilities will include developing and implementing career programs that cater specifically to our alumni. This involves organizing networking events, workshops, and mentorship programs that connect alumni with each other and with current students. I’ll also focus on building solid relationships with our alumni community, understanding their needs, and ensuring our services are relevant and impactful. Additionally, I’ll work closely with other departments to integrate alumni engagement into the broader University strategy, ensuring that our alumni continue to feel connected to St. John’s throughout their professional lives.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received, and who gave it to you?
The best career advice I’ve ever received was from one of my mentors early in my career. He told me, “Always seek opportunities to grow, even if they take you out of your comfort zone.” This advice has stayed with me because it reminds me to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. Sticking to what we know is easy, but real progress happens when we step into the unknown. This mindset has guided me through every career stage, pushing me to take on new roles and responsibilities that have shaped who I am today.
Outside of work, what are your favorite hobbies or activities?
I love to go to the movies and concerts and meet with friends.
What are your goals for the Alumni Career Services Office in the coming years?
My primary goal for the Alumni Career Services Office is to create a comprehensive support system that alumni can rely on at every stage of their careers. I aim to expand our programs to include more industry-specific networking opportunities, tailored career counseling, and continuous learning resources. Another critical goal is strengthening our alumni community by fostering a sense of belonging and engagement through events, online platforms, and mentorship initiatives. Ultimately, I want St. John’s University to be recognized as a leader in alumni career services, known for our commitment to supporting our graduates long after they’ve left campus.
Connect with Mr. Moloney and the Alumni Relations team to learn more about the career development services available:
Office of Alumni Relations
University Center
8000 Utopia Parkway
Queens, NY 11439
Tel 718-990-6232
[email protected]