Graduate Turned Cybersecurity Expert Got His Start at St. John’s

Cybersecurity professional, small-business owner, alumni manager, and volunteer.

St. John’s University graduate Vivian Saunders ’03CPS wears several hats—and they all seem to fit perfectly.

A native of Kingston, Jamaica, Mr. Saunders studied Computer Science at the College of Professional Studies, now The Lesley H. and William L. Collins College of Professional Studies. Upon graduation, he began working at Bloomberg LP,  now serving as a Threat Vulnerability Management Analyst.

Bloomberg LP is one of the world’s leading providers of financial news, data, and software to businesses and investors worldwide. In his present capacity, Mr. Saunders helps to protect the global financial markets from chaos brought on by would-be hackers.

“It is a significant job because a lot of trading is done through the Bloomberg system and based on the data that Bloomberg provides,” Mr. Saunders admitted. “So, if that system were ever compromised, it would be a huge issue.”

“One of the reasons why we are secure is that all of our computer systems, even for our customers, are privately networked and not easily accessible from the internet,” Mr. Saunders continued. “We have not had any serious issues. If we had, the world would have known about it.”

Vivian Saunders’ Cybersecurity Career Path Began at St. John’s University 

Mr. Saunders began his career at Bloomberg as a customer support and technical support representative. After a decade, he shifted into the security space at a time when cyber infiltration began to impact the business community regularly. The shift in roles was easily accomplished, he said, thanks to the skills he cultivated at St. John’s.

“The curriculum at St. John’s was very program based,” Mr. Saunders explained. “You would learn all the different programs, and that would let you pick a field to work in based on a company’s particular projects.” 

“Back then, cybersecurity was not as big as it is currently,” Mr. Saunders continued. “I know St. John’s now has an entire degree program in Cyber Security Systems. Knowing what I know about the industry, I would take that major.”

Mr. Saunders, who lives in Rosedale, NY, moved to Queens with his family before high school. He always had an eye for technology and imagined a career in the industry. He secured his first opportunity at Bloomberg via an internship posting at University Career Services. He was later hired full time.

Almost from the start of his time at Bloomberg, Mr. Saunders took advantage of the company’s many philanthropic opportunities, including with the youth mentoring organization Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. He has mentored several young men in a decade as a Big Brother.

“I have seen so many students mature from innocent and shy personalities into the people they were destined to become, and then go off to college,” Mr. Saunders said. “I check in with them occasionally to see how they are doing.”

“You do not realize the impact you are having on them, because often they are not showing it,” he continued. “But last year, one of my past students messaged me to say a session we did about networking and asking the right questions helped him land the job he wanted.”

St. John’s Graduate Vivian Saunders: Cybersecurity Professional, Small-Business Owner, Volunteer

Mr. Saunders was also blessed with an entrepreneurial spirit that prompted him in 2008 to establish BuyCheapCentral.com, an online clearinghouse for goods ranging from cosmetics and computer supplies to pet products and sporting goods. 

Mr. Saunders works with a network of distributors to acquire goods at a discount. He passes the savings on to his clients. He does not have a brick-and-mortar storefront and he does not need one. “Digital technology makes it possible for people from underrepresented groups to become entrepreneurs through online and social media marketing,” he explained. 

The business has enjoyed consistent growth since 2008. True to the Vincentian ideals he learned at St. John’s, Mr. Saunders donates five percent of sales proceeds to Queens-based nonprofits.

While busy, Mr. Saunders always finds time for his alma mater, where he plans social outings—including to Red Storm men’s and women’s basketball games—career networking opportunities, charity fund-raisers, and more.

“I always wanted to give back to St. John’s,” Mr. Saunders said. “I know I did not get to where I am by myself. Just as someone was able to help me get where I am, I want to do the same.”