Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. President | St. John's University website

Maura Consedine, a St. John’s University alumna from the class of 2023, has found her professional calling in an unexpected place. Currently working as a Partnerships and Events Intern for The Walt Disney Company, Consedine's academic journey has been far from linear.

“I get to work in all the aspects of Disney,” Ms. Consedine said. “That’s what I love about this internship. I am involved in coordination efforts, and I am also part of the entertainment aspect of it all.”

In 2019, Consedine enrolled at St. John’s Queens, NY campus as a Homeland Security major with aspirations to become an agent in the Federal Bureau of Investigation. However, she soon discovered her passion for public relations and its potential for creative expression.

“I really value a career that allows me to be creative,” she explained.

Upon switching her major to Public Relations, Consedine thrived due to the support she received from her professors. “Tiffany L. Mohr, Ph.D., Professor, Public Relations, saw something in me that I didn’t,” she said. “She is a reason why I am who I am today.”

Consedine was encouraged by several professors to get involved on campus which led her to join the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA). She later served on the society’s executive board.

“Having something like that on my résumé started many talking points at interviews,” she noted. “Being involved in PRSSA allowed me to have a more hands-on approach in the field even before graduation.”

Consedine also became an EPIC mentor during her sophomore year after earning mentor certification through EPIC (Establish relationships, Promote possibilities, Impact direction, and Confirm next steps).

“The greatest benefit of being a student at St. John’s are all the opportunities available to connect with others,” she said.

She also found a sense of community in the Alpha Psi Omega National Theatre Honor Society, where she served as a member and later as a secretary.

“I saw them at the Activities Fair and joined early in my academic journey,” she said. “It was truly the best choice I made for myself.”

Consedine's involvement in PRSSA’s Bateman Case Study Competition, which provides students with hands-on experience in creating and implementing public relations campaigns, earned her team an honorable mention.

“It was transformative,” she reflected. “The greatest takeaway was a lesson on how to work with others.”

As part of her advice to students, Consedine encourages them to develop their hobbies into professional endeavors. For instance, during her junior year, she worked for Vivacity Media Group as a press intern due to her love for Broadway shows.

“I got to make my Broadway debut at 20 years old!” she exclaimed.

“Don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself, step outside of your comfort zone, and create opportunities,” she advised. “Get yourself out there and make connections.”