Julian De La Cuesta ‘06TCB

Julián De La Cuesta ’06TCB arrived in this country from Colombia at age 22 with “little more than a green card and a bag of clothes.” Today, he is Offshore Sales Director for Shroders, a multinational asset management company with more than 3,700 employees in 27 different countries.

De La Cuesta credits St. John’s University with giving him the knowledge and skills to forge a successful career as a business executive. “When I enrolled,” he said recently, “all I knew was that I had to complete my education.” He began college in his home country, but the government closed that institution before he finished. His mother told him to investigate St. John’s.

“I went to the Division of Student Affairs,” he recalled. “The person I spoke with said, ‘You’re in the right place—let me assist you.’” That concern for students made the difference. De La Cuesta took evening classes while working by day. Despite his hectic schedule, he managed to form friendships that have lasted long after he earned his B.S. in Management.

Today, as a sales director, De La Cuesta aims to raise assets for the firm. “One of my mentors in the role used to say there was never a dull moment in this line of work, and he was right,” said De La Cuesta. “I’ve been on a constant learning curve for the past eight years, and it’s been a great ride. St. John’s gave me my chance.”