When Maggie Johnson ’25 graduated from Canisius University in December, she already had her future secured. The finance and economics double major successfully turned her internship at Honeywell Aerospace in Phoenix, AZ, into a full-time position — a milestone she credits to the academic preparation, faculty mentorship and leadership opportunities she experienced at Canisius.
Johnson now begins her professional journey as a Materials Management Analyst I, where she works to improve efficiency. “I identify where there may be gaps and shortcomings within our supply chain,” she said.
Her story reflects how a Canisius education equips students with the skills, confidence and connections needed to transition seamlessly from classroom to career.
Faculty Mentorship That Made a Difference
Johnson credits several Canisius professors who played a pivotal role in shaping her academic direction and professional goals.
“Economics & Finance Associate Professor [Julie Anna] Golebiewski from the Richard J. Wehle School of Business had a big impact on my academic direction. I took Intermediate Microeconomics and Public Economics with her. She really broke down the theories behind the formulas and taught me where to get reliable information,” Johnson said. “Outside of the classroom, she's the one who encouraged me to network and apply to numerous internships.”
Management Professor Girish Shambu, PhD, influenced her decision to add a supply chain minor. “It’s what led directly to my role today,” she said. Johnson also points to practical skills she gained in the classroom — particularly in Excel — as a key factor in turning her internship into a job offer.
“Economics & Finance Professor [Jeffrey] Oxman’s Financial Modeling with Excel course strengthened my technical capabilities to dig deeper into what Excel has to offer. It’s been game changer in my current role,” she noted. “Being able navigate pivot tables and manipulate data to tell a story was a major factor in helping turn my internship turning into a job offer,” she added.
These practical career-focused skills allowed Johnson to contribute meaningfully during her internship and demonstrate value to her employer. Combined with the close guidance and support of faculty, her journey highlights the personalized mentorship that defines the Canisius experience.
The Power of a Double Major and Hands-On Classroom Experience
Pursuing both finance and economics gave Johnson a broader and more integrated understanding of business — an advantage she believes prepared her well for the workforce.
“I felt it broadened my horizons as to job opportunities,” she said. “Instead of having a surface-level understanding of one subject, the two majors helped me understand how they work together. In the professional world there is a lot of overlap between roles and departments, and having both majors prepared me for that.”
It was also the real-world classroom preparation that helped define her career path. Johnson recalled a moment during her Managerial Policy Capstone, where she and her classmates created and managed a startup business. “It replicated many real-life, stressful situations,” she said. “Being able to handle those showed me that I was ready for the professional world.” This hands-on experience gave Johnson belief that she could succeed in a demanding professional environment.
Building Confidence Through Leadership, Networking and Persistence
Beyond the classroom, Johnson developed critical soft skills through networking, leadership and stepping outside her comfort zone — experiences that played a major role in turning her internship into a full-time opportunity.
“Networking for sure,” Johnson said when asked about the most valuable skill she developed at Canisius. “Campus events taught me how to ‘sell’ myself to employers and to other students.” Organizing employer speakers for Canisius University's Society of Economics and Finance events pushed her to build confidence and make meaningful professional connections.
Her leadership role in Alpha Kappa Psi professional business fraternity at Canisius further strengthened her professional readiness. Managing a team, coordinating events and guiding structured, efficient meetings helped her develop confidence, organization and communication skills essential in a fast-paced workplace. “In this industry time is valuable and learning how to keep communication clear and efficient helped prepare me for my current workplace,” she said.
Johnson offers advice for current and future Canisius students to take initiative early and stay persistent. “Apply to many, many internships — even if you’re unsure,” she said. “Make connections in the community and ask questions. It’s better to ask too many questions and get something done right than not enough and spend time fixing mistakes.”
She also reminds students that internships are meant for growth. “You’re there to learn. You aren’t supposed to know everything — and what you do know is already a huge plus.”
Finding Balance in Her New Role
While at Canisius, Johnson also experienced cura personalis, the Jesuit value of care for the whole person, which encouraged her to prioritize wellness and balance alongside professional growth. Outside of work, she enjoys going to the gym, walking, reading and doing puzzles — routines that help her recharge. “And naps, I take a lot of naps,” she added.
Johnson is also embracing life in Arizona and adjusting comfortably to the warmer climate. “I’ve been in Arizona for about a month, and the weather has truly been perfect,” she said. “Honestly, the biggest highlight has been not having to shovel snow or scrape ice off my windshield.”
