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

Graduate students at St. John's University were invited to reflect on their workplace strengths and identify growth areas during an event hosted by The Lesley H. and William L. Collins College of Professional Studies (CCPS) in partnership with University Career Services on February 13.

Justin Goldberg, Assistant Dean of the Graduate Advising Cohort, elaborated on a concept first introduced by Ms. Zervos at a networking event held in the fall. Drawing from his experience of changing career paths after his undergraduate studies, Mr. Goldberg highlighted challenges associated with reinvention. The workshop emphasized personal branding, providing graduate students with practical strategies to assess how they present themselves and develop a strong professional identity.

Ms. Zervos, along with Mr. Goldberg and Radhika R. Jha, Associate Dean of Graduate Studies and Academic Engagement, collaborated to ensure the event was interactive. Ms. Zervos guided graduate students through self-reflection, peer discussions, and exercises that explored the role of personal branding in professional success. She led the session with a presentation on brand essentials and the importance of feedback/perception, incorporating a TED Talk on personal empowerment to inspire students further.

Participants were encouraged to contact family, friends, employers, and professors for feedback on how others perceive their strengths following the workshop. Using a personal inventory as a reflective exercise allowed students to compare external perceptions with their self-image, reinforcing that understanding and owning their authentic selves can be crucial for career growth.