STJ Elevates: Professional Foundations Badge
Build the Skills That Set You Apart
Ready to stand out in today’s competitive job market?
STJ Elevates: Professional Foundations Badge (PFB) is a free, fully online, asynchronous program designed exclusively for St. John’s graduate students who want to strengthen their professional skills, leadership presence, and career confidence—without adding pressure to their academic workload.
By the end of the course—which takes just 6 hours over the semester—you’ll earn a verified digital badge (through Credly) that you can showcase on LinkedIn, your resume, and in interviews, highlighting the skills employers value most.
The Spring 2026 Professional Foundations Badge course is currently underway. Enrollment for Fall 2026 will open on Monday, August 24.
You’ll select one of the nine competencies below to focus your skill-building on. Each competency will support your career goals and your professional growth.
- Professional Presence
- Communication
- Emotional Intelligence (Inward)
- Relational Intelligence (Outward)
- Professional Identity
- Project Management
- Team Management
- AI Proficiency
- Presentation Skills
You may complete multiple Professional Foundations digital badges, each focused on a different core competency (limited to one per semester).
Through self-assessments, guided activities, reflection, and coaching feedback, you will:
- Build confidence in your professional communication and presence
- Strengthen leadership and workplace competencies
- Create a personalized Professional Growth Plan focused on real-world application
- Earn a verified digital badge that you can showcase to employers
- Enhance your resume, LinkedIn profile, and professional brand
- Gain clarity around your next steps—academically and professionally
Everything is designed to help you apply what you learn immediately in your job, internship, or future role.
The course is open to all St. John’s University graduate students.
“I thought the program was simple yet sophisticated.”
“I think this is going to be an incredibly valuable program for students’ professional development.”
“Overall, this course has given me practical tools I can use right away and a clearer sense of direction as I continue to grow professionally.”
“This program strengthened my professionalism by enhancing my communication, presentation abilities, and workplace confidence. It also expanded my network and provided valuable opportunities to connect with peers and industry professionals.”
“The Brand Tool assignment was the most beneficial, where we picked qualities that we think we have and let people who know us also give their perspective.”
The Professional Foundations Digital Badge pilot delivered meaningful outcomes in one semester:
- ⭐ 4.5 out of 5 average student satisfaction rating
- 📈 1.1-point increase in targeted professional competencies within two months
- Average self-assessment scores improved from 3.2 to 4.3 (out of 5)
Students consistently reported increased self-awareness, confidence, and motivation to continue developing professionally beyond the program.
You’ll receive direct guidance from Elisa Zervos, Director of Career & Professional Development for Graduate and Online Programs.
Elisa is an ICF PCC-certified Professional Development Coach who works with high-potential professionals across industries and globally. She reviews your work and helps you translate learning into real workplace impact.
Your growth is supported through the 3-2-1 Coaching Model:
✅ Learn by Doing
✅ Learn from Others
✅ Learn from Resources
- Fully online and asynchronous to fit alongside your coursework (no required meeting times)
- Graduate-level rigor, especially aligned with business and professional programs
- Developed in collaboration with the Office of Distance Education for a seamless experience
- Tailored to each student’s individual career goals
The Spring 2026 Professional Foundations Badge course is currently underway. Enrollment for Fall 2026 will open on Monday, August 24. Check back here or keep an eye on your email inbox for the self-enrollment link.