When Brookdale student Anthony Aldaresi, (Howell, NJ) president of the College’s Business Club, heard about Johnson & Johnson’s Finance Immersion Day, he knew it was an opportunity he couldn’t pass up. Through Brookdale’s Career, Leadership & Transfer Pathways Center, Anthony applied and was selected to participate in the exclusive event, held at J&J’s corporate headquarters.
“I learned about the opportunity from Jonathan Scott, a Johnson & Johnson employee and Brookdale alum,” Anthony shared. “He encouraged me to apply, and a month later, I found out I was accepted. As someone who hopes to pursue a career in finance, it was an incredible chance to explore the field before transferring to a four-year university.”
At the event, Anthony joined students from top universities such as Rutgers, The College of New Jersey, Villanova, Penn State, University of Pennsylvania and others across the country. The day included presentations from company leaders, networking sessions, and hands-on learning activities designed to showcase the company’s finance structure and internship pathways.
One of the highlights was learning about J&J’s Finance Leadership Development Program (FLDP), a premier pipeline for finance interns who go on to full-time roles within the global healthcare company. “It was amazing to see how the program sets students up for success in such a collaborative and innovative environment,” he said.
Anthony also participated in two one-on-one mentoring sessions, one of which was with Jonathan Scott, who continues to mentor him today. “Jonathan shared how he transferred from Brookdale to Rutgers and then transitioned into his role at J&J,” Anthony explained. “He’s been helping me with my cover letters and even recommended me for an internship this summer. That personal connection made all the difference.”
“It’s rewarding to see Brookdale students like Anthony taking advantage of these opportunities,” Jonathan said. “They are truly the building blocks of a successful transition from school to the workforce. I’m grateful for the strong foundation I developed at Brookdale and am always excited to help the next generation of students find their path in the professional world.”
The day culminated in a case study competition that challenged students to develop strategies for making J&J’s offices more energy efficient through solar power. Anthony’s group impressed the judges with their innovative plan to integrate both electric and thermal solar panels, ultimately winning their division.
“The case study really pushed us to think critically about sustainability and finance,” Anthony said. “It was a great experience to apply what we’ve learned in the classroom to a real-world challenge.”
The event not only deepened Anthony’s understanding of finance but also broadened his career outlook. “I feel grateful to have learned about so many different areas of finance and to see how each plays a role in driving a company’s success,” he said.
Anthony credits Brookdale’s supportive community and the Career Center’s connections for making the experience possible. “Brookdale has given me so many opportunities to grow,” he said. “I made a smart financial decision to start here, and it’s paid off in ways I couldn’t have imagined.”
When asked to describe the experience in three words, Anthony didn’t hesitate: “Impactful, educational, and fun.”
About Brookdale’s Career, Leadership & Transfer Pathways Center
Brookdale’s Career, Leadership & Transfer Pathways Center connects students to employers, mentors, and real-world experiences that prepare them for success beyond the classroom. To learn more about internship and career opportunities, visit brookdalecc.edu/careercenter