Students Who Are First-Generation

Welcome to the First-Generation Connections Community!

The Career Center recognizes that Villanovans have different interests and priorities as well as challenges navigating the career development process as they explore the world of work. This space compiles resources that may be of special interest to students who are first-generation, alumni who were first-generation and all those interested in engaging with these resources. Students, alumni and employers can connect through networking, professional development and educational events and programming. We will continually develop this community as we become aware of additional opportunities to advance the growth of all members of our community.

Questions to ask to show you have the soft skills and professional etiquette employers want

When you reach the end of an interview and the employer asks if you have any questions, “No, I’m good” is the wrong answer. In 2026, employers are specifically looking for candidates who show high emotional intelligence and an interest …

By College Recruiter
College Recruiter believes that every student and recent grad deserves a great career.
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Stay Active with your Career Goals over Winter Break

Here are some meaningful ways to explore your interests, build connections, and prepare for future opportunities over the winter break. Choose the activities that connect to your goals, and of course, build in time for rest and relaxation!

Explore Careers …

By Megan Pongratz
Megan Pongratz
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8 resume hacks that will get you noticed by applicant tracking systems

Most students and recent grads know they need a strong resume to land interviews. What many don’t realize is that their first “reader” won’t be a recruiter or hiring manager—it will be a piece of software. Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) …

By College Recruiter
College Recruiter believes that every student and recent grad deserves a great career.
Read more

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Community Career Resources

Pre-Law Summer Programs

Below are a list of a summer programs that are here to help students from underrepresented backgrounds prepare for law …

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Career Readiness Resources



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Skill Building Courses

Insights from a College Career Coach

Taught by Valerie Sutton
Are you feeling stuck in your current position, seeking a new one, or contemplating a career change? In this interview,…

Working with Recruiters

Taught by Barbara Bruno
No matter how big your network is, a recruiter’s network is bigger. A recruiter can be a great resource to…

A Day In The Life of a Data Scientist (2020)

Taught by Madecraft
The best way to understand what it’s actually like to work as a data scientist is to spend the day…

Careers in the Game Industry

Taught by Christian Bradley
Interested in turning your love of video games into a career? This course will introduce you to the concepts and…

Art and Illustration Careers: First Steps

Taught by Kristin Ellison
If you’ve spent hours filling notebooks with sketches, and find joy in the creation of beautiful images, then you’ve probably…

Transitioning from Manager to Leader

Taught by Sara Canaday
Leadership is a skill that can be taught. In this course, executive coach Sara Canaday shares proven strategies to help…

How to Stand Out on LinkedIn with Yrbenka Arthus and Andrew Seaman

Taught by LinkedIn News
Ready to make 2026 the year you get noticed? Start with how you show up on LinkedIn. Standing out isn’t…

Florent Groberg on Finding Your Purpose after Active Duty

Taught by Florent Groberg
Take it from a hero. Transitioning from the military to civilian life is hard. But with some simple steps and…

Negotiating Your Job Offer

Taught by Christine DiDonato
Getting a job offer is a time to celebrate, but it’s also important to stop and ask, “What does my…

Betty Liu on Career Success

Taught by Betty Liu
Betty Liu is a LinkedIn Influencer and anchor for Bloomberg Television. She is also founder of Radiate (RadiateInc.com), which focuses…

Transitioning Out of Your Job

Taught by Dr. Chaz Austin
Is it time to move on from your company or current position? Learn how to quit your job with grace…

Succeeding in a New Job

Taught by Dr. Chaz Austin
Succeeding at a new job starts with a good foundation, an effective strategy, and an attitude of humility. Dr. Chaz…

Recovering from a Layoff

Taught by Brie Reynolds
Learn how to recover quickly from a layoff and find employment again. Brie Reynolds begins with the first steps to…

Web Career Clinic

Taught by Lauren Bacon
This series explores web careers from a variety of angles: insights from veteran web designer and agency principal Lauren Bacon,…

Planning a Career in User Experience (2021)

Taught by Cory Lebson
User experience is a rewarding career. Successful UX professionals can improve technology so that it is more efficient, effective, and…

Creating a Career Plan

Taught by Dr. Chaz Austin
The employment landscape can be volatile and scary. But with a solid career plan, you will be prepared and adept…

Translating Your Military Skills to Civilian Workplace

Taught by Lida Citroën
Marketing and branding expert Lida Citroën has been serving the transitioning veteran community for many years, presenting workshops and seminars…

Asking for a Raise

Taught by Lisa Gates
Connect your self worth to your market worth: ask for a raise! In this course, executive coach and negotiation consultant…

Planning a Web Design Portfolio: Getting a Job

Taught by Lauren Bacon
For web designers and other creative professionals, a great portfolio can make the difference between landing the job and getting…

Breaking Out of a Rut

Taught by Stefan Mumaw
Ever feel like you’re in a rut? Most people have experienced a rut, whether it manifests as a lack of…
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Alumni Connections

Kristi Heiman

Alumni
  • Melrose, MA
  • Pricing Coordinator Wegmans Food Markets
Meet Kristi

Rishi Patel

Alumni
  • Langhorne, PA
  • Asset Management Analyst Tourmaline Capital Partners
Meet Rishi

Kai Williams

Alumni
  • New York, NY
  • Event & Production Fellow The Creative Collective NYC
Meet Kai

DJ (Stephanie) Jones, PhD

Alumni
  • Chicago, IL
Meet DJ (Stephanie)

Tarmim Chowdhury

Alumni
  • New York, NY
  • Finance and Sales Analyst USI Insurance Services
Meet Tarmim

Jessica Stadmeyer

Alumni
  • New York, NY
  • Director of Legal Resources & Community Engagement Family Legal Care
Meet Jessica

Kevin Moposita

Alumni
  • Brooklyn, NY
  • Inventory Analyst Target
Meet Kevin

Matthew Crawford

Alumni
  • New York, NY
  • Associate Blank Rome
Meet Matthew

McKenzie Suber-Robinson

Alumni
  • Trenton, NJ
  • Director of Conference Services Villanova University
Meet McKenzie

Chloe Benson

Alumni
  • Atlanta, GA
  • Talent Strategy & Projects Lead Marsh & McLennan Companies
Meet Chloe

Anna C. Pelligra, Esq.

Alumni
  • Manasquan, NJ
  • Founder & Owner Anna Catherine Pelligra Law LLC
Meet Anna C.

Walidah Justice

Alumni
  • Summit, NJ
  • Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer Kent Place School
Meet Walidah
View More Alumni

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