The Johnnies Blog

More than a Degree: My Path to Success in Sport Management
Just four short years ago, I was finishing up my last days in high school. Now, I am a proud graduate of St. John’s University with a master’s degree in sport management. The journey has been incredibly transformative, eye-opening, thrilling, challenging, and rigorous, and at times has tested my strength.
In this reflection piece, I share the hurdles I overcame, the pivotal moments that redirected my course, and my passionate pursuit of a fulfilling career in sport management.

Top 9 Digital Marketing Careers For College Graduates in 2025
Digital marketing is a rapidly growing field with a wide range of career paths to explore. Whether you’re a creative thinker, a data enthusiast, or a strategic planner, there’s a niche in digital marketing just for you. Let’s explore 9 exciting career paths within digital marketing to help you determine which one aligns best with your strengths and aspirations.

My Journey into a Hospitality Career as a First-Generation Latinx Student
As a first-generation Latinx student navigating the dynamic environment of St. John’s University, I am driven by the challenges and opportunities that will prepare me for a successful career in hospitality management.
In this blog, I share some valuable experiences that have ignited my passion and equipped me with the skills needed to make a significant impact in the hospitality industry.

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.

Careers in Homeland Security and Criminal Justice Leadership
"Duty, honor, country. Those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, what you will be." - Gen. Douglas MacArthur

Fast-Track Your Future: Actionable Career Exploration for College Students
If you’re a current or soon-to-be college student, feeling anxious about your career plans is expected. You might encounter questions from others like, “Have you thought about internships yet?” or “Why haven’t you started networking?” which can add to the pressure. But don’t worry—that is what University Career Services is here for!

St. John's First-Year Students Share: ‘Why Do You Want to Be a Nurse?’
If you’re interested in positively impacting people’s lives, nursing could be the perfect career path for you! In this Q&A session, we speak to St. John's first-year nursing students Lauren Chan, Beverly Dekyem, and Natalia Dookharan. They share their personal experiences, on why they chose a nursing career path and their reasons for enrolling in the Bachelor of Science program in Nursing at St. John’s University. Read on for some inspiration!

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.

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.

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.
