Students from The Lesley H. and William L. Collins College of Professional Studies recently attended a workshop titled “How to Get Your First Agency Job.” Held on March 22, the event took place at the Drs. E. Lawrence and Adele V. Deckinger Center for Integrated Advertising Communications and the Communication and Collaboration Commons.

During the workshop, St. John's alumni working in various advertising fields led roundtable sessions. Linda Ankrah, a senior majoring in Advertising Communications and Public Relations, said, “It was encouraging to learn more about the options available in the advertising field. It helped me see that I do not have to confine myself to one thing.” Another senior, Devin Brown, spoke positively about discussions with Art Director Artiana, which provided him insights on entering the creative side of the industry.

St. John’s alumna Amelia Monastra-Gonzalez ’16C, now a Senior Art Director at 160over90, was among the guest speakers. She reflected on the students' enthusiasm: “Their drive and passion reminded me of myself at that stage—eager, curious, and ready to take on the industry.”

The event also featured a panel discussion with human resources representatives such as Xavier Griffin from Jellyfish, Maureen Maldari from The BAM Connection, and Paige Soltano from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Paige Soltano stated, “The event was great. The students were engaged and truly present.”

Bianca Fernandes, another senior, noted the value of hearing directly from CEOs and recruiters: “One of the most valuable moments was probably the panel discussion.” Panelists offered guidance on job applications, interviewing, and follow-ups. Soltano shared advice on interview preparation: “Research the company, have questions prepared, and follow up.”

University Career Services conducted a LinkedIn workshop to assist students with profile optimization. Kaila Lightburn, a graduate student, found this part particularly useful, remarking, “The LinkedIn workshop was also incredibly helpful in an age where applicant tracking systems determine most of how candidates are picked for jobs.”

Participants practiced improving their LinkedIn presence, building connections, and finding job opportunities. Kaila expressed her appreciation, saying, “I thoroughly enjoyed the event and would recommend it in the future for students.”