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.
Intern recruiter looking at a students resume at a career fair

How to Land a Job After College: Career Insights from Recent Graduates

Should you apply to 100 jobs? Send messages on LinkedIn? Wait for opportunities to come your way? Landing your first job after college can feel overwhelming, almost like a full-time job itself. So, what does it take to make a good first impression and take the next step in your career?

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. 

A.I. robot and soldier talking to eachother

Thought Experiment: AI in Warfare 

Read the rising role of artificial intelligence in warfare, and why students at St. John’s University in Queens, NY, feel global regulation is needed. 

Nam Nguyen
Thomas Rudzewick, President and CEO of Maspeth Federal Savings

5 Financial Literacy Tips Every Young Professional Should Start Now

Landing your first job. Paying rent. Tackling student loans. Whether you’re wrapping up college or stepping into your first full-time role, one thing becomes clear fast: every dollar counts.

When you understand how to protect your money, manage debt, and plan for the future, you give yourself more freedom, not less.

Students working at computers and in front of a large cybersecurity screen

How to Get into the Cybersecurity Field

Whether you are a career-changer or a recent graduate looking to break into the cybersecurity industry, there are a few key things you can do to succeed.

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
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