St. John’s University welcomed students and employers to its Spring Career Expo on April 16 at the Queens campus, bringing together soon-to-be graduates, internship seekers, and recruiters from more than 70 companies across various industries.
The event aimed to connect students with potential job opportunities in fields such as accounting, civil service, cybersecurity, health care, and hospitality. Both nonprofit and for-profit organizations attended the expo to meet candidates and build future partnerships.
Kate Totino ’07M.B.A., Director of Human Resources at Condon, O’Meara, McGinty & Donnelly, said: “I am excited to be here. We have learned that St. John’s students are worker bees—they are engaged and they ask excellent questions.” Melanie Fernandez from the United States Tennis Association highlighted their interest in hiring local talent for positions related to the US Open: “We also recruit at St. John’s because of its proximity to the US Open,” Fernandez said. “We value hiring from the local community and allowing students to be part of something big. It is an intense but unique experience.”
Kyla Teixeira, a business analytics student seeking a role in operations or management, reflected on entering a challenging job market: “We speak very transparently in my classes about the current job market,” Teixeira said. “I am a little nervous about what might or might not be out there, but I am still optimistic.” Althea Hernandez from NewYork-Presbyterian praised nursing graduates: “What we have seen from St. John’s nursing students is an empathy, a compassion for patients, as they continue to learn their skills.”
New participants included PepsiCo—motivated by recent student consulting projects—and KultureCity which provided a sensory space designed for relaxation during the busy event. Account Manager Durga D. Shah commented on student contributions: “The students’ creativity and ability to think outside the box really stood out,” Shah said.
Ellen Burti ’83SJC,’87M.S.Ed., Assistant Vice President of University Career Services explained that adding sensory accommodations increases accessibility: “It provides greater accessibility,” Burti said.“The expo can be overwhelming for all students… KultureCity has helped us provide a space where students can find a respite from the noise and crowds within the expo.” Sean Culkin of KultureCity noted that one quarter of Americans have sensory processing needs; he added: “Career fairs are still the best way to get employers and employees together,” Culkin continued.”But this is about providing accommodations to ensure that people are their best selves when meeting those employers.”
St. John’s University supports initiatives through its centers focused on multicultural efforts according to its official website. The university features campuses in Queens and Manhattan as well as international sites in Rome, Paris, and Limerick according to its official website. St. John’s is affiliated with the Vincentian Community according to its official website.
The university offers more than 100 undergraduate majors across six schools according to its official website, operating as a Catholic institution dedicated to liberal arts education according to its official website. Rev. Brian J. Shanley serves as president of St.John’s University per its official site.
