SJNY of the Past and Present
March 25 saw St. Joseph’s University, New York students of its past and present come together for a mock interview night. Hosted in the Knapp Swezey Multipurpose Room by the Office of Alumni Engagement, the event was moderated by President of the Long Island Alumni Board Samuel Bifulco ’16, and allowed current students of different majors to get a glimpse into their potential professional futures.
Meanwhile, alumni returned to the University to offer guidance to the up-and-coming generation while looking back on what it was once like to be a student attending St. Joseph’s.
Throughout the event, students and alumni were mixed and matched with one another, and conducted practice interviews. The opportunity allowed students to hone their communication and networking skills while also getting a feel for what interviewing will feel like, albeit in a more relaxed and casual environment. In between rounds, students and alumni traded experiences, goals and aspirations, as well as tips on how to navigate the job market after graduation.
“It’s great to have people provide guidance and take time out of their day to give back to the University. In fact, it’s really amazing,” said Dylan Alexander ’28, a Business Administration and Accounting student.
An Opportunity to Give Back
For the students, mock interview night was about receiving the tools, insights and foundation to conquer the professional world, but for the alumni, the night was an opportunity to give back to the institution that had done the same for them.
“Coming to St. Joseph’s and being supported in my field, which was child study, allowed me to take it as far as I could from becoming a teacher, assistant principal and principal to eventually getting my doctorate,” said Maureen Martin ’89, Ph.D., one of the event’s alumni interviewers.
She continued, “I was emboldened to work hard and stay focused, so coming back is important because I want give back to the students who are about to get out there and work on their future careers.”
An Event Open to All Students
Graduating students are not the only ones encouraged to attend as well. Mock interview night is open all students of all years, and a wonderful example of the University’s many resources in play, ranging from connecting students with alumni to offering professional guidance and mentorship via the Office of Career Preparation and Professional Development.
“When I first came in, I thought the event was going to be light and simple, but once I started interviewing, I really got a feel for the expectations potential employers would be looking for. It’s exciting to bring those insights into my eventual career,” said Jahnarr Evans ’28, a Mathematics Adolescent Education student.
Photos from the Evening
