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.

CLAS Wildcats in Action: Student Internship Experiences

Spring & Summer 2026 Edition

From Fall 2025 to Summer 2026, these semesters marked a period of meaningful professional engagement for CLAS students as they stepped beyond the classroom and into internships that connected academic learning with real-world application. Across …

By David Heuring
David Heuring Coordinator of Professional Development and Internships
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Wildcat Spotlight: Lakisha Kirnon ’26: “I truly became a competent student nurse prepared to provide the best care for my patients.”

Lakisha Kirnon is 2026 graduate of the M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing. She works as a Registered Nurse at the Boston Children’s Hospital.

By Kit Schroder
Kit Schroder
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🎉Congratulations! You Landed a Summer Internship… Now What?

Kicking off your summer internship and looking to make an impression? We’ve gathered our best advice, tips, and strategies to help you stand out, make connections, and leave a lasting impact!

🚀 Shifting from Student to Intern

Transitioning from the classroom …

By John McGranaghan
John McGranaghan Assistant Director of Career Development
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Community Career Resources

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

Career Readiness Resources



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…

B2B Sales Unveiled: Master the Market

Taught by Melinda Emerson
This course delivers practical frameworks to help you build strategic relationships and close high-value deals. Through participating in interactive exercises…

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…

Alumni Connections

  • Tucson, AZ
  • Research Assistant/PhD Candidate University of Arizona
Meet Jude
  • Philadelphia, PA
  • Managing Director, Head of Business Development Murray Devine & Company
Meet Robert
  • Philadelphia, PA
  • Tax Consultant Deloitte
Meet Michelle
  • New York, NY
  • Design Verification Engineer Closet Factory
Meet Begum
  • New York, NY
  • Event & Production Fellow The Creative Collective NYC
Meet Kai
  • Chicago, IL
Meet DJ (Stephanie)
  • New York, NY
  • Finance and Sales Analyst USI Insurance Services
Meet Tarmim
  • New York, NY
  • Director of Legal Resources & Community Engagement Family Legal Care
Meet Jessica
  • Brooklyn, NY
  • Inventory Analyst Target
Meet Kevin
  • New York, NY
  • Associate Blank Rome
Meet Matthew
  • Trenton, NJ
  • Director of Conference Services Villanova University
Meet McKenzie
  • Washington, DC
  • Director of Coach Development & Certification College Board
Meet Chloe

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