We are proud to feature success stories from First Generation students around the Villanova community.
Zenaida De La Cruz | Major: Sociology; Minors: Criminology, Peace & Justice, Public Service and Administration | Class of 2024
“My time with Villanova’s Career Center played and continues to play a pivotal role in my professional and academic growth. As a first-generation student, the support I received as an undergraduate student was invaluable. I especially appreciated the counselors who were specifically focused on supporting first-generation students like myself, which made the experience more personalized and accessible. CASA (Center for Access, Success, and Achievement) did a great job of advertising these resources, helping me connect with the right people.
The resume and LinkedIn review services helped me effectively present my experiences, and the Wildcat Wardrobe allowed me to save money while feeling confident during interviews and networking events. As an alumna, one of the standout resources during my experience with the career center is the 1:1 meetings with career counselors to refine my applications for fellowships and graduate school. Their insights provide me with a clearer understanding of how to position myself for success.
The personalized guidance not only boosts my confidence but also sharpens my professional skills. The Career Center’s dedication to supporting first-gen students like me made a significant impact on my journey and continues to positively impact my life. I am grateful for their continuous support.”
Want to share your own career success story? Submit a testimonial!