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

Putting a new spin on the traditional outdoor carnival, University Career Services at St. John’s University held its second “Career-nival” event on September 4. The gathering aimed to introduce new students to career resources in an interactive setting.

The event took place behind Chiang Ching-Kuo Hall and drew more than 500 students, doubling last year’s attendance. Students participated in games designed to highlight the services offered by Career Services.

Xavier Johnson, a first-year Economics student from St. Augustine, Florida, attended with fellow Economics major Jared Kunutsor of Washington, DC. They played several games including “Dress for Success,” which focused on identifying appropriate interview attire, and “Career Events Grand Prix,” where participants guided a hand-operated car to parking spaces linked to various Career Services resources.

“It is much more engaging this way than just meeting in an office,” Xavier said. “Outside, in this setting, you talk to people and interact more. You also meet people who can help you later.”

Other activities included the “Big Career Fish Off,” where students answered career-related questions for raffle tickets, and “Résumé Remix,” which challenged them to improve sample résumé bullet points.

“It was a good exercise in preparing a résumé,” Jared said. “I know better now what to include and what not to, and also when to change my résumé and how I can improve it.”

Traditional games like cornhole and Connect 4 were also available.

The event aligns with Career Services’ goal of reaching students early in their university experience and making them aware that support is available throughout their academic and professional paths.

For some attendees, the event provided valuable information about potential careers. Melina Ramdehal, a first-year student still deciding on her major, spoke with advisers about psychology options and became interested in forensic psychology.

“My siblings always tell me to keep my career options open and to stay informed,” Melina said. “That is what I am doing.”