Business Student Embraces St. John’s and New York City

Originally from Rockville, MD, Carly Nuñez entered St. John’s University prepared for a rigorous curriculum at The Peter J. Tobin College of Business. Moving to New York City, however, proved to be a bigger challenge than she anticipated.

“I usually like change, but I did not realize how big a change this would be,” she said.

A first-year international management major, Carly entered the University admittedly nervous. But away from home for the first time, she quickly realized that forming connections across the Queens, NY, campus was one key to a successful transition from high school.

She made her first connection when she attended a meeting of Women on Wall Street, a student organization focused on professional development and mentorship for women exploring business and finance careers. Carly discovered the group at the Fall Student Activities Fair and began attending regular meetings and connecting with student leaders.

“I could tell how successful they were,” Carly said. “I wanted to learn from them.”

Later, as a member of the Thomas J. Cox Jr. Honors Program at Tobin, she was invited to assist with workshops and serve as its first-year student representative. “I was really nervous,” Carly said. “But I like the school’s community. People are always willing to help each other.”

Carly says the Tobin faculty have made business topics feel accessible and relevant. She enjoys the emphasis on class discussion, which encourages students to participate and learn from one another. One course that stood out to her was a first-year economics class taught by Tracey L. Freiberg, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Economics and Finance, and Associate Director of the Cox Honors Program.

“You can tell the professors genuinely care about teaching,” she said. “They want students to understand the material.”

As an international management major, Carly is part of a program that prepares students for leadership in a global business environment. Students gain a foundation in business while also learning about international markets. Experiential learning is supported through site visits and internships.

Students are also encouraged to step out of their comfort zones and challenge themselves. Carly says her First-Year Writing course with Erin Lynn, Assistant Professor, Department of Core Studies, St. John’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, helped her grow from an inexperienced writer to one nominated by Ms. Lynn to speak at a first-year writing event.

“That gave me confidence,” Carly said. “She saw something in me that I did not see in myself.”

Through Women on Wall Street, Carly attended a University Career Services session on personal branding and LinkedIn. The experience, she said, made her more aware of the guidance available through the University.

“I did not realize how helpful the advisers and staff could be,” she said. “They really want students to succeed.”

Now in her second semester at St. John’s, Carly has learned how to balance her curricular and extracurricular responsibilities. She finishes assignments earlier and uses lighter class days to stay on top of homework. She also makes time during busier weeks for meetings and workshops.

She is eager to continue her participation in experiential-learning opportunities at Tobin, the Cox Honors Program, and Women on Wall Street, building on the skills that will prepare her for a business career.

Her advice to incoming students is simple. “Do not be afraid to ask for help,” Carly said. “But also, do not try to be exactly like everyone else. There might be something unique about you that really makes you stand out.”