15th Annual Communications Connection a Success

St. John’s University’s Staten Island campus held its 15th Annual Communications Connection on Tuesday, March 21. All Mass Communication majors were invited to attend an evening filled with networking opportunities, and to build connections through St. John’s alumni.

Both the Communication Arts program and the Office of Alumni Relations have been sponsoring this event for years. St. John’s University is committed to fostering connections between its current students and successful alumni who have already established themselves in their careers.

The connection between our alumni remains strong through the Alumni Insider’s View Program (AIV), a unique initiative that encourages St. John’s alumni to offer students a behind-the-scenes look at some of the most exciting careers available today. Many alumni spoke to St. John’s undergraduate students throughout the evening to discuss career opportunities and offer advice on how to get a job in various fields including television, film, journalism, public relations, and advertising.

Featured speakers this year included Shawn Moynihan ’91CPS, Editor-in-Chief of National Underwriter Property & Casualty magazine; Stephanie Mazzone ’13CPS, Operations Assistant at the John W. Lavelle Preparatory Charter School; and Robbie Micara ’16CPS, an Assistant Producer at The Wendy Williams Show.

Mr. Moynihan was one of more than 60 alumni and students gathered in the Kelleher Center to share tales of jobs won—as well as jobs lost. “You’ll lose your job at least twice during the course of your career, and that’s okay,” Mr. Moynihan said. “It’s something that isn’t always your fault. It is a lesson you usually don’t learn until it happens, and it’s devastating.”

Mr. Micara spoke of his drive and dedication, which led to obtaining an internship at The Wendy Williams Show and eventually getting hired for a full-time position. “Success doesn't bring passion, passion brings success,” he said.

Ms. Mazzone also spoke about the importance of internships, and making connections while still in college. Many students, with résumés in hand, took the opportunity to network with alumni and learn more about how to get the job they want.

Organized by Deborah Greh, Ed.D., Director of the Communication Arts program, the event is anticipated by students eager to make connections with alumni. “I look forward to the event every year,” Dr. Greh said. “I am proud of the graduates who are so supportive of the undergraduates, and want to share their experience and wisdom.”