Professional Development Program

Villanova MSF students begin the program by attending a Professional Development Program in August. This required course prepares students to pursue career opportunities within the field of finance.

PDP classes meet on an ongoing basis and cover a variety of topics. Led by our Associate Director of Professional Development and Career Services, Rita DiCarlo, PDP focuses on hard and soft skills as well as site visits, alumni speakers and access to Villanova resources. PDP is required for all students and is taken for credit.

PDP topics, assignments and events include:

• Excel training
• Haverford Funds site visit
• Presentations from Villanova Career Development staff
• Introduction to mentoring program
• LinkedIn workshop
• Resume development
• Introduction to on-campus recruiting software, Handshake
• Presentations from alumni currently working in the finance field
• Mock interview sessions
• Networking tactics
• Technical interviewing session
• New York Trek
• Jaymin Patel networking session and alumni reception