These recent graduates from St. John’s University have been in your shoes: They’ve navigated the application process, faced the challenges of interviews, and are now working in their roles. In this Q&A, you hear from each of them about their professional journeys after graduation. From standing out in a competitive market to lessons learned in their first roles, here’s what they wish they knew when they started.
Meet the St. John’s University Alumni Panel
Alex C. Hootsell ’22CCPS
Computer Science Major (Cybersecurity Concentration); Minor in French
Technology Consultant, Protiviti
Alex works in security and privacy, focusing on the payment card industry and Port Authority clients.
Amanda Belgrave ’21TCB, ’22MS
Finance Major (Five-Year Program)
Assistant Vice President, Lloyds Bank
Amanda completed a two-year rotational program before moving into credit risk at Lloyds Bank.
Christly Borno ’24TCB
Finance Major
Finance Analyst, Wells Fargo
Christly is part of Wells Fargo’s Finance Rotational Program, currently working in accounting transformation and moving into treasury forecasting.
Emily Inzero ’24TCB
Marketing Major
Account Supervisor, VCCP
Emily manages client services for major brands such as White Claw, Mike’s Hard Lemonade, Cayman Jack, and Más+ by Messi.
Maura Consedine ’23CCPS
Public Relations Major
Communications Specialist, Disney Experiences
Maura has held multiple roles with Disney, including D23 and external communications, and now works on the Disney Parks Blog content strategy team in Los Angeles, CA.
Shubh Pathak ’22TCB
Business Analytics Major
Sales Analyst, Fiserv
Shubh joined Fiserv through its two-year business analyst rotational program, where he now works in sales operations.
What was the most challenging part of the job search, and how did you overcome it?
Maura: When I moved to Los Angeles, I knew I wanted to work in entertainment. Landing a role at Disney was the dream, but I was open to other studios, too. The industry is competitive, and the most challenging part was getting my résumé seen. Often, I’d get rejections without anyone reviewing my portfolio.
So, I changed my strategy. Instead of waiting for job postings, I researched boutique agencies and companies—even those not hiring—and sent my résumé and cover letter. That proactive approach led to all three of my internships at St. John’s, and many of those opportunities opened doors later.
Shubh: For me, it took about six months to land my role in the analyst program, and I applied to more than 100 places before it finally worked out. It was a long process, and I wanted to give up more than once. The job market is tough right now, and you’ll see how competitive it is when you’re applying.
What really helped was networking. Cold applications on LinkedIn or company websites rarely stand out, especially since referrals often get priority. On top of that, you’re sometimes competing against candidates with master’s degrees, which can feel discouraging.
My advice is to reach out to people at the companies you’re applying to and ask for just 10 minutes of their time. Most of them will happily share advice; sometimes those conversations can even lead to referrals. That, more than anything, made the difference in helping me land my first role.
How do you figure out what kind of role or industry is right for you after graduating?
Maura: I began my journey at St. John’s as a Homeland Security major because I was convinced I wanted to be an FBI agent. The program was excellent, with great professors and fascinating coursework, but as I went through it, I realized it didn’t align with my personality, interests, or long-term goals. That’s when I made the pivot to public relations (PR).
For me, PR felt like the right fit because, at its core, it’s about people and relationships. As I approached the job search, I was intentional about looking for opportunities connected to my interests, such as theater, entertainment, food, and beverage. I know not everyone needs a personal connection to their work, but for me, it’s essential. If I don’t feel connected to the mission or the brand, I don’t do my best work.
That’s part of why Disney was such a natural fit. I grew up loving the brand, so stepping into my role felt seamless. I already had an affinity for Disney, which made the transition easier and the work more meaningful.
Christly: I came into St. John’s undecided, so I spent most of my first year of college exploring and trying to figure things out.
What really helped me was thinking about the kind of life I want to live after graduation. Additionally, when choosing a major, researching what careers and industries that path can lead to and who is getting hired proved beneficial.
Talking to peers was also a tremendous resource for me. For example, I had a close friend who worked in investment banking. After hearing about his day-to-day responsibilities and the hours he worked, I knew right away that path wasn’t for me. That insight helped me narrow my focus to other areas in finance. Your peers will do internships and gain experiences that you might not have, so ask them about it. Their stories can help you determine what you want and what you don’t.
What was the biggest lesson from your first role?
Christly: I learned two big lessons. First, you realize that no one has the same background, and that’s the point. In my first week, I worked alongside people from entirely different paths, but we all ended up in the same place. That diversity of background is why companies hire.
Second, I didn’t realize how big a company could be until I joined one. As a student, you think of finance as one track. Once you’re inside, you see dozens of departments and career paths. Some roles are completely different, while others are similar, but under a different team. That opened my eyes to how many opportunities exist within one company.
Alex: One of my biggest lessons was staying open and teachable. Everyone knows you’re new. If you’re receptive to feedback and willing to grow, you’ll do well.
Shubh: What surprised me the most was realizing how little I actually knew about Microsoft tools. I had been using Word and Excel for 15 or even 20 years and thought I was an expert. But once I started my job, I realized I had barely scratched the surface of their advanced features.
My first month felt like a crash course in Excel. I remember sitting next to my manager as she flew through spreadsheets using only the keyboard—she didn’t even touch the mouse. It opened my eyes to how much more there was to learn. Of course, I was given small projects at first, but most of that time was spent really getting up to speed with these tools.
Companies don’t want someone coming in acting like they already know everything. Especially early in your career, it’s more important to be a sponge. No one expects someone straight out of college to be a master of everything—and pretending you are usually backfires. Show that you’re ready and willing to learn. That’s what really sets you apart.
How did utilizing St. John’s career services support prepare you for after graduation?
Amanda: During my sophomore year, I interned with Nomura, which I believe was a turning point for me. I landed the internship after having my résumé reviewed over the summer by my adviser, followed by an in-person interview on campus. Taking that extra step to improve my résumé was important because the company specifically wanted to hire St. John’s students who took initiative. They looked for students who not only showed up for the interview, but also took the time to research the company and understand, “What is this role about?”
Even if you don’t know everything about a company, it’s about showing effort, learning more, and making the interview feel personal. Around that time, I was working with my career adviser, Jennifer, who mentioned my name in different rooms with various people. That led to opportunities such as interviewing with Goldman Sachs. These chances happen when you build relationships, not just with alumni from St. John’s, but also with your career advisers.
Alex: It’s so important to use Career Services. I went to my adviser multiple times to review my résumé. Each time, she gave me feedback and had me make improvements until it was polished and ready for job applications. Thanks to her guidance, I landed my internship—and eventually my full-time position—with the résumé she helped me refine.
Also, make sure to network while on campus. Connect with your peers, because they can help you find opportunities. One of my fellow orientation leaders actually helped me land my current job. Building relationships in every direction really makes a difference.
Quick Take: Top Job Search Insights from St. John’s Graduates Be proactive, not passive. Don’t wait for job postings; reach out to companies directly and build relationships with recruiters and alumni.Networking beats cold applications. Alumni connections can make all the difference, especially in competitive industries.Find the right fit. Explore majors and careers that align with your personality and long-term goals, not just what sounds impressive.Stay open and teachable. Your degree gives you a foundation, but real growth comes from being curious and willing to learn.Ask for help early. Communication and collaboration matter more than doing everything on your own.Details matter. From meeting invites to emails, double-check your work; it shows professionalism and respect.Own your career path. Don’t wait for others to move you forward. Seek certifications, mentorships, and opportunities that align with your goals.Stay persistent. The job search takes time, but every rejection teaches you something new and brings you closer to the right opportunity. Ready to start building your own career story?
Explore St. John’s Career Services for résumé help, networking opportunities, and one-on-one support.