CAREER COMPASS: PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR VILLANOVA ENGINEERS
Developed in consultation with engineering alumni, faculty and students, Career Compass is a one-of-a-kind professional development curriculum unique to Villanova’s College of Engineering. As part of our comprehensive undergraduate engineering program, you will learn not only the scientific, mathematical and engineering principles expected of every engineer, but also the professional skills needed to succeed in any career.
A graduation requirement that will appear on your transcript, the Career Compass professional development program is a combination of self-directed on-line modules and required activities, such as attending professional events on campus. Topics include:
Ethics
Group Dynamics
Time Management
Technical Writing and Presentations
Leadership
Innovative Thinking
Listening Skills
Conflict Resolution
Self-Awareness
Project Management
Career Compass also connects you with professionals in the University’s Career Center who will prepare you for internships and career opportunities through resume workshops and mock interviews with employer representatives.
Another highlight of the program is one-on-one mentorship from a Villanova Engineering alumnus, beginning your sophomore year. To date, more than 650 alumni have been engaged in the program, offering gender-based, personal and professional advice to help students define their individual career paths moving forward.
“I appreciate that our guidance as mentors doesn't have to be limited to purely professional/technical topics. I like to offer the students I work with a key life lesson: ‘never lose sight of the big picture.’ I'm really excited to continue as a mentor with this program. I wish we had Career Compass when I was a student 20ish years ago!”
--Mary Galvin ’03 CpE, Engineering Director, Apria
In addition to mentorship, alumni also contribute to the program through COMPASS Conversations. These major-specific panel discussions offer insights into the career paths available to students and advice on how to reach their goals.
Recognized with the 2021 Innovation Award by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), Career Compass provides Villanova Engineering students with the direction they need to pursue and achieve their professional goals!
"One of the speaker events really opened my eyes to what I can do with my engineering degree and changed my entire perspective on what I thought my career path would be."
Cassia Trusty
Computer Engineering
“I learned a great deal about myself and my future career. [Director] Frank Falcone is a great resource for students.”
Ryan Haack
Electrical Engineering
"Career Compass has empowered me to curate my own path in tech and recognize that everyone will have different journeys."
Paige Bonvallet
Computer Engineering
The Format
Elements of the Career Compass program are delivered in a variety of formats, including:
- Online videos, modules, quizzes and directed learning
- Attendance at 2-3 professional events each semester, requiring a written summary
- One 60-90 minute in-person workshop as needed (not every semester)
- Interaction with an alumni or industry mentor, beginning sophomore year
Most work can be completed at the student’s convenience—during the week, weekends or during fall/spring breaks.
An all-encompassing approach to professional development
The Nova Network is Villanova's official social and professional network. Find Villanovans in your industry and local area, discuss career-related topics and access resources for your professional development.