BACKPACK TO BRIEFCASE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CURRICULUM

FIRST YEAR

Assessing the Environment

FALL SEMESTER

INTRODUCTION TO CAREER & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Professional development requirements are embedded in VSB 1015 Business Dynamics, a course taken by all VSB first-year students. This component connects students with campus career and college planning resources, as well as provides professional skill development opportunities and guidance on business writing. Students participate in, reflect on, and write reports about activities related to college planning/major exploration, career exploration, and professional skill building.

SPRING SEMESTER

VSB 0099: FIRST-YEAR EXPERIENCE

All VSB first-years enroll in this zero-credit course. Course requirements focus on professional skill-building; they include (1) development and refinement of a resume in collaboration with a career coach; (2) participation in training regarding the networking process; and (3) completion of an online tutorial on Handshake, Villanova University’s career management portal.

SOPHOMORE YEAR

Defining & Implementing Your Strategy

VSB 2000: PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SEMINAR

In the fall or spring semester, VSB sophomores participate in this required one-credit seminar focusing on self-assessment, career exploration, personal brand development, internship and job search strategies, interviewing skills, networking, and professional values. Throughout the semester, students are presented with opportunities to interact with alumni and employers, and to practice skills critical to success in the career development process. 

JUNIOR YEAR

Gaining a Competitive Edge

VSB 3000: BARTLEY BriefCASE CHALLENGE

In the fall or spring semester, VSB juniors enroll in a one-credit course that provides preparation for and culminates in an internal case competition. 

Students work in small groups to analyze a common case and present their findings and recommendations to a panel of company executives and faculty during a day-long competition. Written and verbal communication skills, case analysis, team dynamics, and leadership are addressed in preparation for the competition, and students submit an executive summary post-competition. This course provides networking opportunities, as students interact and are provided with feedback from business professionals.

Previous case studies*: Amazon, Apple Inc. in 2023, Aston Martin, HTD and Virtual Reality, Hot Chicken Takeover, Facebook Fake News in the Post-Truth World, Café Kenya, Roku, Bodega Aurrera, Tractor Supply Company, Voice War, Mastercard  
 

*Harvard Business School Publishing

SENIOR YEAR

Capitalizing on Your Investment

Seniors are encouraged to engage in career and professional development activities and utilize the resources offered by VSB’s O’Donnell Center for Professional Development and Centers of Excellence, student business societies, the Villanova Career Center, and other campus sources, as appropriate for their needs and interests. Additionally, one-credit leadership courses, on topics such as negotiations and communication, are available to seniors on a voluntary basis.