Students Explore Possibilities at Fall Career and Internship Expo

Representatives from more than 80 companies shared career advice with St. John’s University students on September 17 at the annual Fall Career and Internship Expo.

A common refrain from employers to the several hundred students in attendance: Even as artificial intelligence creates uncertainty in the job market, it is still valuable to identify a career passion and boldly pursue it.

“Being passionate about something when you are 22 might not be what you are passionate about 10 years later,” said Anna McLaughlin, People Operations Specialist at Front Office Sports, a digital media and sports news organization, which made its first appearance at the expo, held in Taffner Field House.

“But identifying a passion is a key to getting your foot in the door and brokering connections,” Ms. McLaughlin added. “If you enjoy going to your job, that will lead to better employee-employer engagement and outcomes.”    

University Career Services hosts two career expos each year, one early in the fall semester and another in the spring. Even in challenging hiring times, they are well attended by students eager to put their St. John’s education to use in an internship or full-time position. 

Employers from industries as diverse as accounting, biomedical sciences, civil service, and sports and entertainment engaged St. John’s students in lively discussions about the hiring landscape. Nonprofit firms and government agencies were also represented. 

Students saw the expo as an opportunity to explore possibilities and make valuable connections. Graduate student Richard Hafeez was drawn to the nonprofit Kids in the Game because of his son’s love of sports.

“It specifically deals with youth development through sports and coaching,” said Richard, who is pursuing a master’s degree in sport management. “Sports teach so many values, including commitment, teamwork, and accountability.”

Passionate about a career in business operations or management, Dayanara Acevedo, a senior at The Peter J. Tobin College of Business, met with representatives of for-profit and nonprofit companies interested in hiring for entry-level consulting or management positions.  

“This university has prepared me well,” Dayanara said. “With all the events and opportunities such as this, you are ready to put yourself out there to employers.”

“Events like this connect students with possibilities,” added fellow senior and Tobin student Ennalyz Angulo. “As I walk from table to table, I sometimes must stop and say, ‘I never thought about that industry.’ ”            

Likewise, employers were eager to attend, drawn by the University’s reputation for producing talented and career-ready graduates. Some companies, such as PepsiCo and Tao Group Hospitality, were returning; others, including the National Park Service (NPS), were making their first visit to St. John’s.

St. John’s student and NPS volunteer Samantha Braff, who is pursuing a master’s degree in public history, manned the organization’s table, discussing her eagerness to turn a passion for history into a career.

“I genuinely love talking about history,” Samantha said. “And I do not want to have a job where I dread going to work.”              

Among the employer representatives were a dozen or so St. John’s alumni, including Joseph Holczinger ’20TCB, who was recruiting students for careers at Valhalla, NY-based USI Insurance Services.

Mr. Holczinger remembered how well St. John’s prepared him for his career in actuarial science. He noticed similar preparedness in the students he encountered at the expo.

“I did not feel as if I was lacking anything; St. John’s fully prepared me to enter the industry,” Mr. Holczinger said. “All I had to do was learn how my company operated. These students, and the St. John’s alumni we have hired recently, are equally well-educated.” 

Students of all class years and from all the University’s schools and colleges attended. To those students who have not yet identified their professional passion, Ellen Burti ’83C, ’87GEd, Assistant Vice President for Career Services, said not to worry.

“Many college students have not identified a passion yet,” Ms. Burti said. “College is a time for exploration, discovery, and growth. Experiences like the career expo help students learn about various industries, build professional connections, and discover what inspires and motivates them.”

The career expo was the third event sponsored by University Career Services in the new semester. On September 14, the department hosted its annual Career-nival outside Chiang Ching-Kuo Hall. Several hundred mostly first-year students attended, playing carnival-like games customized to inspire curiosity in the mission of Career Services.

On September 10, Career Services hosted “Meet the Firms,” a networking event with representatives from global accounting, consulting, finance, financial technology, and technology companies. 

 At Career-nival, students enjoyed chips, cookies, ice cream, and soft drinks while participating in games such as “Dress for Success,” where they had to identify attire appropriate for business interviews; and  “Résumé Remix,” where students were challenged to identify effective bullet points to enhance an imaginary résumé.

“The idea is to introduce students to who we are, and that we can be a valued resource,” Ms. Burti said. “Last year, students came away knowing we are here to support them and said they appreciated that.”

The Peter J. Tobin College of Business hosted a similar career event on September 14. “The New Professional: A J.Crew Perspective on Business Style” introduced students to the evolving nature of professional fashion. Topics covered included distinguishing between business casual and business professional attire and understanding how fit and presentation influence first impressions during interviews. Presentations were led by representatives from the clothing retailer J. Crew.