In a job market where finding employment can be difficult, networking remains an important skill for students seeking to stand out. St. John’s University held its 2025 Fall Career and Internship Expo on September 18, focusing on strategies to help students make professional connections.

“Yes—networking! With a big, capital YES!” said Ellen Burti ’83C, ’87GEd, Assistant Vice President, University Career Services. “Its value has only grown in today’s job-seeking environment. My team and I always remind students that networking does not happen only during a job search—you can network anytime.”

The event was the first of two career fairs planned by University Career Services this fall. Another event, the Careers in Public Service Expo scheduled for October 30, will bring together government agencies, nonprofits, and community organizations.

Nearly 80 employers attended the expo at Taffner Field House on the Queens campus. Companies from sectors such as accounting, biomedical sciences, cybersecurity, and hospitality were present to recruit students and offer career advice.

Sal Gonzalez of Brookhaven National Laboratory advised attendees: “You have to identify things you love or you will not excel.” He was recruiting interns for the scientific research facility in Upton, New York.

Daniil Mazur, a junior majoring in Computing and Machine Learning at St. John’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and captain of the Red Storm Men’s Fencing team, said he is motivated by opportunities in artificial intelligence. “I am excited and motivated to work in something new that is transforming our everyday world right now,” Daniil said.

Grant Thornton was among the companies represented at the expo. Christina Tagios ’23TCB, ’24MS works there as an Audit Associate after attending several St. John’s career fairs as a student employee and graduate assistant with Career Services. She reflected on her experience: “I started attending these events as a student worker,” Ms. Tagios said. “Honestly, I do not know if I would have come otherwise—I am a bit of an introvert—but I started connecting with employers and wound up with two internships at Grant Thornton. The firm offered me a job during my graduate school year.”

Ellen Burti emphasized that openness to various career paths is also valuable alongside networking skills.

Students echoed this sentiment about building professional relationships being essential for opportunity creation.

Lars Ponikvar from Slovenia studies Computer Science at The Lesley H. and William L. Collins College of Professional Studies at St. John’s University. He noted: “I want to talk to employers and get my name out there,” Lars said. “Networking is one of the primary factors in getting a job in today’s economy.”

Nick Luisi ’09CPS is General Manager of Tao Group Hospitality and returned to his alma mater to recruit students for positions within his company while supporting their entry into the workforce.

“I have seen noticeable progress at St. John’s over the years,” Mr. Luisi said. “As an alum, returning and connecting with such talented students is rewarding.”