The Professional Development Program (PDP) for MSF students is designed to enrich the graduate classroom experience and prepare students for success in the financial services job search process. This program is a required element of your curriculum, and successful completion of the program requires attendance and fulfillment of the following:
- Careers in Financial Services: Financial Services professionals give a brief description of their sector, discuss how to land that first job, and what to expect in the first few years.
- Resume Workshop: Presentation providing general tips for writing effective resumes, followed by individual resume review with industry professionals and representatives from the Career Center.
- Networking Workshop: Interactive networking workshop and presentation to teach the basics of making professional connections and proper networking etiquette.
- Working on Wall Street: Corporate site visits followed by a panel and networking reception hosted by the Villanova Financial Club, a group of Villanova Alumni who work in or around Wall Street.
- Interview Skills Workshop: Learn interview techniques from a financial services recruiter.
- Videotaped Mock Interview: The Career Services Office schedules an appointment with a counselor for a practice interview, in which the counselor videotapes the session and provides feedback on your performance.
- Contact Mentor: Each student is matched with a mentor based on his/her area of interest within the finance industry. In mid-June, you receive your mentor’s name and contact information. You are expected to contact your mentor to introduce yourself and provide your background and interests, learn about your mentor’s role in their organization, and establish future communication to further your initial discussions.
- Bloomberg Essentials: Laboratory providing the basics of the Core Bloomberg Professional Service module and basic functionality of each of the primary market sectors.
- Developing Your Online Brand: Workshop that provides tools and resources for developing a personal brand and using that brand in the job search process.
- Ten Steps to Maximizing Your Career: Workshop that provides a high-level overview for effectively managing the job search and post-graduate studies career.
