Transformative Networking Event at The Lesley H. and William L. Collins College of Professional Studies

On September 16, 2024, The Lesley H. and William L. Collins College of Professional Studies (CCPS) hosted a dynamic networking event designed to connect and support CCPS graduate students. This event, in partnership with University Career Services, aimed to blend academic learning with professional development.

Radhika R. Jha,Associate Dean of Graduate Studies and Academic Engagement, and Justin Goldberg, Assistant Dean, Graduate Advising Cohort, organized this event to cater to students at various stages: newcomers, current students, and alumni. Attendees explored campus resources through informative flyers and met faculty who showed strong support for the new cohort.

Luca Iandoli, Ph.D., Distinguished Chair and Dean, welcomed students to the event, marking the start of the semester’s second week. Representatives from Graduate Admissions, The Office of Equity and Inclusion, as well as program directors and chairs, spoke passionately about the strength of their programs.

With more than 100 people in attendance, the event encouraged networking while students and faculty enjoyed refreshments. The unique approach of the event fostered meaningful connections.

Elisa Zervos ’22MBA and Maria Alfonso, Associate Directors of Career Advising, engaged students with a digital poll to understand employment status and demographics while providing key information about the importance of connecting to University Career Services as a graduate-level student. Elisa, who is also an International Coach Federation Professional Certified Coach and a St. John’s alumna, moderated a panel featuring Tiffany Eason ’16CPS, ’18MS, Director of Community Engagement, NYC Council Speaker Adrienne E. Adams and Adjunct Professor, St. John's University; Faizan Ahmed ’22CCPS, ’23MPS, Cofounder and Head of Machine Learning at Head Starter; and Mr. Goldberg.  

They shared insights on acclimating to the workplace as it relates to skills they’ve built in leadership, communication, professional branding, and establishing trust. Through storytelling, the panel explored themes such as imposter syndrome, allowing for authentic and vulnerable exchanges.

“This high-energy event showcased the diversity and quality of the graduate programs available at the Collins College of Professional Studies,” explained Neil Feinstein, Associate Professor, Mass Communication and Director, M.S. in Integrated Advertising Communications Program. “For me, the highlight was the Q&A session, during which professionals who had graduated from our programs showcased how their education was propelling their careers. It was so inspiring.”