Brendan W. Myers
When I looked at colleges, I was determined to find the university that would put me in the best position to succeed after graduation.
I knew early on in my life that my dream was to pursue a job in the sports media industry, so when I looked at colleges, I was determined to find the university that would put me in the best position to succeed after graduation.
Growing up in suburban New Jersey, the New York City lifestyle never appealed to me. I had been to New York and other cities; and, each time, I came home happy to be back in my town where I was more comfortable. While I was going through my college selection process, I knew I had to get more comfortable with the city because of all of the sports media opportunities located in Manhattan.
I remember sitting in my high school class and Googling “schools with journalism programs around NYC” and seeing St. John’s pop up as one of the top results. I didn’t know much about the University, other than their historically successful basketball program; but, as I researched more, I became more and more interested in taking a tour.
When I arrived with my parents, I immediately noted that the campus could provide me the opportunity to become acquainted with New York City without living a true “city lifestyle.” Since arriving on campus as a freshman in 2016, St. John’s has provided me with unique opportunities to expand my network and begin my career path in the sports media field.
I immediately got involved with both The Torch, the award-winning student newspaper, and WSJU Radio, the school’s student-run radio station. Both give me tremendous experience with St. John’s athletics. Through these two student organizations, I am able to cover all St. John’s sports teams, interview and write feature stories on athletes, broadcast at games, and develop a great foundation to build skills that would then translate into internships with the New Jersey Jackals, MSG Networks, SiriusXM, and the New York Jets.
Throughout my time covering St. John’s athletics and volunteering with St. John’s athletic communications, I have enjoyed being part of the tight-knit community of those who support this school. Every fall, students, alumni, and fans pack Carnesecca Arena to attend the annual Tip-Off event to celebrate the beginning of college basketball season; it is a night that is always capped off with a performance by a popular performer.
This school provides a unique experience to be in close proximity to the opportunities of Manhattan while still having a true campus feel. From the media industry to the world of business, St. John’s has clubs and organizations for almost anything you can imagine. These organizations on campus teach students the basic skills, to supplement the knowledge gained in the classroom and that can go a long way in to securing prestigious internship.