Produced by: Rose Henry
May 15, 2024
St. John’s University alumna Maura Consedine ’23CCPS is a prime example of finding your voice as a Johnnie.
She currently works as a Partnerships and Events Intern for The Walt Disney Company. “I get to work in all the aspects of Disney,” Ms. Consedine said. “That’s what I love about this internship. I am involved in coordination efforts, and I am also part of the entertainment aspect of it all.”
Ms. Consedine has found her niche, but her academic path was not always so clear-cut. In 2019, she enrolled in the College of Professional Studies (now The Lesley H. and William L. Collins College of Professional Studies) at St. John’s Queens, NY, campus as a Homeland Security major with the plan to work as an agent in the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
However, she soon discovered her interest in public relations and the creativity that could be expressed while pursuing a career in the field. “I really value a career that allows me to be creative,” she said.
Ms. Consedine soon changed her major to Public Relations and flourished—thanks to the support she received from her professors. Tiffany L. Mohr, Ph.D., Professor, Public Relations, saw something in me that I didn’t,” she said. “She is a reason why I am who I am today.”
Several professors encouraged her to get involved on campus, so she joined the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA). She eventually served on the society’s executive board.
“Having something like that on my résumé started many talking points at interviews,” she explained. “Being involved in PRSSA allowed me to have a more hands-on approach in the field even before graduation.”
Ms. Consedine earned mentor certification through EPIC (Establish relationships, Promote possibilities, Impact direction, and Confirm next steps), which allowed her to provide support to new students during her sophomore year. “The greatest benefit of being a student at St. John’s are all the opportunities available to connect with others,” she said. “I loved being an EPIC mentor.”
Ms. Consedine also joined and found community in the Alpha Psi Omega National Theatre Honor Society as a member, and later as a secretary. “I saw them at the Activities Fair and joined early in my academic journey,” she said. “It was truly the best choice I made for myself.”
She participated in PRSSA’s Bateman Case Study Competition, in which students get a hands-on experience to create and implement a public relations campaign. “It was transformative,” she reflected. “The greatest takeaway was a lesson on how to work with others.” Her team earned an honorable mention.
Ms. Consedine advises students to develop their hobbies into professional endeavors. For example, she enjoys Broadway shows, so during her junior year she worked for Vivacity Media Group as a press intern. “I got to make my Broadway debut at 20 years old!” she said.
“Don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself, step outside of your comfort zone, and create opportunities,” she said. “Get yourself out there and make connections.”