Annual Fall Career Expo Emphasizes Value of Networking

In a challenging job market, one skill consistently stands out as essential—the ability to network.

St. John’s University’s 2025 Fall Career and Internship Expo on September 18 highlighted this, emphasizing connection-building strategies to give students a competitive edge.

“Yes—networking! With a big, capital YES!” said Ellen Burti ’83C, ’87GEd, Assistant Vice President, University Career Services. “Its value has only grown in today’s job-seeking environment. My team and I always remind students that networking does not happen only during a job search—you can network anytime.”

The Career and Internship Expo was the first of two career fairs University Career Services is hosting in the fall. On October 30, it expects several government agencies, nonprofits, and community-based organizations to attend its Careers in Public Service Expo.

Nearly 80 companies filled Taffner Field House on the University’s Queens, NY, campus on September 18. Employers from industries as diverse as accounting, biomedical sciences, cybersecurity, and hospitality actively recruited St. John’s students while building their brand presence for future recruitment and offering career advice to job-seeking students.

Among that advice: “You have to identify things you love or you will not excel,” said Sal Gonzalez, Educational Programs Administrator at Brookhaven National Laboratory, who was recruiting for student interns for the scientific research facility in Upton, NY.

Daniil Mazur, a junior from Ukraine majoring in Computing and Machine Learning at St. John’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, heard that advice. Daniil, captain of the Red Storm Men’s Fencing team, loves the tech industry, particularly artificial intelligence.

“I am excited and motivated to work in something new that is transforming our everyday world right now,” Daniil said.

Among the other companies represented was Grant Thornton, a Manhattan, NY-based tax advisory and accounting firm. Alumna Christina Tagios ’23TCB, ’24MS, Audit Associate at Grant Thornton, recalled her time at the University when she worked as a student employee and graduate assistant with Career Services and attended several St. John’s career fairs. Ms. Tagios acknowledged the value of networking to her career development.

“I started attending these events as a student worker,” Ms. Tagios said. “Honestly, I do not know if I would have come otherwise—I am a bit of an introvert—but I started connecting with employers and wound up with two internships at Grant Thornton. The firm offered me a job during my graduate school year.”

Ms. Burti said that in a competitive employment landscape, students benefit from networking and open-mindedness to all career possibilities.

“The career fair provides students with the chance to connect, network, and practice professional conversations,” Ms. Burti said. “Even if they are not currently seeking full-time, part-time, or internship opportunities, it is a valuable way to prepare for when the time comes. Being flexible and open-minded toward unexpected opportunities can make a difference for students seeking jobs today.”

Students agreed, recognizing that building connections and networking are keys to opening opportunities.

Lars Ponikvar, a junior from Ljubljana, Slovenia, majoring in Computer Science at The Lesley H. and William L. Collins College of Professional Studies, understands the value of networking. “I want to talk to employers and get my name out there,” Lars said. “Networking is one of the primary factors in getting a job in today’s economy.”

Nick Luisi ’09CPS, General Manager of Tao Group Hospitality and a former member of the Red Storm Baseball team, returned to his alma mater to recruit talent and support St. John’s students as they prepare to enter the job market.

“I have seen noticeable progress at St. John’s over the years,” Mr. Luisi said. “As an alum, returning and connecting with such talented students is rewarding.”