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.
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
Students and faculty gathered for the Johnnies innovation challenge

St. John’s Students Turn Big Ideas into Real-World Impact

At St. John’s University, students are empowered with hands-on learning opportunities to build skills, gain valuable mentorship, and turn visionary ideas into action. One standout event is the business pitch competition known as the Johnnies Innovation Challenge.

In this Q&A, we hear from the three winning student teams of the 2025 Johnnies Innovation Challenge. They share the inspiration behind their business ideas, the skills they gained through participating, and how experiences like this are helping shape their futures.

Young female professional
Toni Critelli
Uday Kumar, founder of start-up company KnotHastags and current international graduate student in the M.S. in Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) degree program at St. John’s University

How Risk Management Fuels This St. John's Grad Student's Entrepreneurial Success

Meet Uday Kumar, founder of start-up company KnotHastags and current international graduate student in the M.S. in Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) degree program at St. John’s University.

In this Q&A, he discusses how his real-world experience, from launching a start-up to utilizing campus resources, fuels and supports his entrepreneurial ambitions.

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 Entrepreneur Alum Wearing Professional Attire

Entrepreneurship Development Success Story: Meet Albert Bateh

Albert Bateh ’16TCB, a graduate of The Peter J. Tobin College of Business at St. John’s University, is a noteworthy alumnus renowned for his inspiring journey in entrepreneurship development. Born into a family running a flourishing textile business for over a century, Mr. Bateh grew up with a strong interest in the field. During his senior year at the University, he launched his first venture, EZ-Net Hair Care, which began his successful entrepreneurial journey.

Students preparing for a career in small business cosulting at St. John's University

Student Leaders Launch Consulting Club to Empower Small Businesses

When two business students were looking for early consulting opportunities at St. John's University, they decided to create their own path forward. Now Cecilia Bottino and Jeondo Lee's groundbreaking Consulting Club and Consult Your Community chapter are transforming how students gain real-world experience while supporting small businesses.