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.
Two college students smiling at a campus career fair, standing side by side in a gymnasium with employer tables and attendees in the background. One student wears a navy polo shirt, and the other wears a white dress shirt with a tie, both appearing engaged and professional.

Career Readiness in 2026: What Does It Actually Mean for Students?

Students are often told they need to be “career ready” by the time they graduate. But what does that actually mean? Is it having a job offer lined up senior year? Knowing your exact career path before you toss your cap? Or graduating with a perfectly polished résumé?

The reality is that career readiness looks different for everyone. This guide breaks down what career readiness really means, why it matters in college, and how you can start building toward it throughout your journey.

Young female professional
Toni Critelli
Young woman in a leather jacket sitting in a classroom setting with a labtop

How AI Impacts Students Entering the Job Market

Heard enough about artificial intelligence (AI) lately? You’re not alone. Between nonstop headlines and every company jumping on the AI bandwagon, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed on the topic. But here’s the thing: AI isn’t going anywhere.

So instead of tuning it out, the smartest move is to tune in; the more you understand how this technology works, the better prepared you’ll be for whatever’s next.

Carolina Zamudio
Internal auditor working with a client

Why You Should Consider a Career in Internal Audit

Choosing the right career path can be a daunting decision. You want a career that offers stability, growth, and a chance to make a meaningful impact. One career path that provides all of this and more is internal audit.

In this article, you get a clear look at what internal auditors do, why this career is growing so quickly, and furthermore, how earning a master’s degree at St. John’s University can help you build long-term success in this in-demand profession.

David Y. Chan
Job recruiter reading resume

Is Your Résumé Ready for the Current Job Market? 8 Quick Fixes

Here’s the reality: most student or recent graduate résumés aren’t as polished as they need to be. Maybe the layout is cluttered, the language is too generic, or the impact of your experiences isn’t clear. Employers see so many applications that small issues can quickly push a résumé aside. 

The good news? These are simple fixes. With a few intentional updates, you can turn your résumé into a document that’s clear, professional, and ready to grab attention in a competitive job market. Here are eight updates, shared by St. John’s University Career Services professionals, to help you get started. 

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
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.

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