The Johnnies Blog

Welcome to the Johnnies Blog—where your college journey comes into focus. Designed for prospective students and their families, this space brings together authentic student voices, expert perspectives, and practical guidance to help you explore opportunities, navigate decisions, and build a meaningful path forward.
A group of diverse student leaders at St. John’s University, smiling and engaged in conversation outdoors on campus, representing various leadership roles such as student government, peer mentors, and student ambassadors.

7 Campus Leadership Roles That Will Set You Apart in the Job Market

When considering your future career, it’s common to feel overwhelmed by the competitiveness of the job market. Employers want real-world experience, leadership, and problem-solving skills. But how do you acquire those skills while still in college?

A great place to begin is by taking on leadership roles on campus. At St. John’s University, you discover countless opportunities to assume leadership responsibilities, enhance your college experience, improve your résumé, and make it stand out when applying for jobs or internships.

Young female professional
Toni Critelli
St. John's Alum Headshot, Duane Shippey

Building a Finance Career: Lessons from a VP at BNY Mellon

Are you interested in a finance career where you can help people achieve financial empowerment? In this Q&A session, you get to know Duane Shippey '97A, a St. John’s University alumnus. As the current Vice President (VP) of Client Services at BNY Mellon, Mr. Shippey shares his journey of building a career in finance, the skills he has developed, and the challenges he has faced and overcome.

Young female professional
Toni Critelli
St. John's Alumna and Mental Health Advocate, Priscilla Agyeman

Prioritizing Your Mental Health in the Workplace: Q&A with Priscilla O. Agyeman ’16C

Balancing mental health and work responsibilities can be a challenging task. However, it is crucial to prioritize your well-being and seek support when needed to achieve personal growth and career success.
 
During this Q&A session, we speak with Priscilla O. Agyeman ’16C, a St. John’s alumna and mental health advocate. She shares her personal experience with mental health issues and the strategies she uses to navigate mental health in the workplace successfully. She also discusses the mental health resources she offers through her company, Saddie Baddies®.
 

Young female professional
Toni Critelli
Headshot of St. John's Alumna and founder of Fin Lit Kids

Financial Literacy Tips and Lessons from Ebony Beckford ’03CPS

Are you a college student or a recent graduate who wants to learn how to build a solid financial foundation for your future? In this Q&A session, we speak with Ebony (Rentas) Beckford ’03CPS, a St. John’s alumna who is an author, entrepreneur, and financial literacy advocate. Ms. Beckford shares her personal story of overcoming financial challenges during and after graduation. She also provides simple steps that anyone can take to develop a healthy relationship with money and how these practices are applied in her company, Fin Lit Kids.

Young female professional
Toni Critelli
St. John's Alumni Female Entrepreneurs

Celebrating Female Entrepreneurs: Five Stories of Representation and Resilience

In today’s world, gender equality is a top priority, and the representation of women in business is crucial and a powerful catalyst for change. Although progress has been made, the journey toward gender parity in entrepreneurship is far from over. That’s why it’s important to celebrate the stories of remarkable women in business—not only to recognize their achievements, but also to showcase the impact of diverse voices at the forefront of business.

Read the stories of five trailblazing female entrepreneurs and St. John’s University alums driving positive change in their communities and beyond.

Young female professional
Toni Critelli
United National Leader of Accelerator Labs Gina Lucarelli Speaking on Social Entrepreneurship

Making an Impact through Social Entrepreneurship: UN Leader Insights

Are you ready to create a positive impact through social entrepreneurship? In this video, Gina Lucarelli, leader of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Accelerator Labs, the world’s largest learning network, explains how social innovation, sustainable development, and global collaboration can tackle pressing challenges and ignite positive change. Whether you look to launch a startup or scale your impact, this conversation equips you with the tools and motivation to make a real-world difference.
 

St. John's University RISE network mentorship program

Career Mentoring for College Students: What to Expect & How to Find a Mentor

Do you ever feel lost when it comes to planning your career? Imagine having someone who has already been through the same experience and is happy to share their knowledge with you. They can guide you, answer your questions, and support you—that’s the power of mentorship.

In this blog post, we dive into the benefits of having a mentor for career development and equip you with the knowledge and tools to embark on your mentorship journey.

Young female professional
Toni Critelli
St. John's University Career Services Adviser Headshot

Kick-Start Your Career Journey: Insights from St. John’s Career Adviser

 
Are you looking to take your career journey to the next level? Meet Elisa Zervos ’22MBA, an exceptional career expert with extensive experience in operational management and professional development coaching across all industries. As the Associate Director of Career and Internship Advising at The Lesley H. and William L. Collins College of Professional Studies at St. John’s University, Ms. Zervos combines her strategic vision and hands-on experience to deliver guidance and support to ambitious professionals seeking to achieve their goals.