Home » St. John’s University hosts spring career expo with employers and students

St. John’s University hosts spring career expo with employers and students

Byamerican catholic tribune
Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P., President St. John's University-New York
Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P., President St. John's University-New York
Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P., President St. John's University-New York

St. John’s University held its Spring Career Expo on April 16, bringing together students, soon-to-be graduates, and more than 70 employers at Taffner Field House on the Queens campus.

The event aimed to connect students with a wide range of industries including accounting, civil service, cybersecurity, health care, and hospitality. Both for-profit and nonprofit organizations attended to meet potential candidates for internships and jobs. The expo is seen as an important opportunity for students facing a competitive job market.

Kate Totino ’07M.B.A., Director of Human Resources at Condon, O’Meara, McGinty & Donnelly and an alumna recruiter said, “I am excited to be here. We have learned that St. John’s students are worker bees—they are engaged and they ask excellent questions.” Melanie Fernandez from the United States Tennis Association highlighted the appeal of hiring local talent: “We also recruit at St. John’s because of its proximity to the US Open,” Fernandez said. “We value hiring from the local community and allowing students to be part of something big. It is an intense but unique experience.”

Students expressed both optimism and concern about entering today’s workforce. Kyla Teixeira said, “We speak very transparently in my classes about the current job market… I am a little nervous about what might or might not be out there, but I am still optimistic.” Althea Hernandez from NewYork-Presbyterian praised nursing graduates: “What we have seen from St. John’s nursing students is an empathy, a compassion for patients, as they continue to learn their skills.”

PepsiCo participated in the expo after working with St. John’s students through NextUp on retaining young talent; Account Manager Durga D. Shah remarked: “The students’ creativity and ability to think outside the box really stood out… We hope to continue to grow this partnership.” The event also featured a sensory space designed by KultureCity for attendees needing relief from noise or crowds—a new addition praised by both organizers and participants.

Ellen Burti ’83SJC, ’87M.S.Ed., Assistant Vice President of University Career Services said: “It provides greater accessibility… KultureCity has helped us provide a space where students can find a respite from the noise and crowds within the expo.” Sean Culkin from KultureCity added that company data shows 25 percent of Americans have sensory processing needs: “When a sensory-sensitive person walks into an environment such as this, their stress level increases… As a result that individual is not focused and not at their best when meeting recruiters.” Culkin continued: “Career fairs are still the best way to get employers and employees together… But this is about providing accommodations to ensure that people are their best selves when meeting those employers.”

St. John’s University supports initiatives through its centers focused on multicultural efforts according to its official website. The university features campuses in Queens and Manhattan as well as international sites in Rome, Paris and Limerick according to its official website. It is affiliated with the Vincentian Community according to its official website and offers more than 100 undergraduate majors across six schools according to its official website. St John’s operates as a Catholic institution dedicated to liberal arts education according to its official website, led by Rev. Brian J. Shanley O.P., who holds the presidency according to its official website.

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