PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND INTERNSHIPS

Two students in sitting at a table in a conference room.

The College’s Professional Development staff are here to help students explore, experience and evolve as they think critically about potential careers and professional ambitions.

Throughout their journey in the College, students can take advantage of networking events with alumni, one-on-one mentoring relationships, experiential learning opportunities—including internships and immersion programs. A broad array of one-credit professional development courses enable students to identify strengths, explore possibilities, and develop the skills necessary to prepare them for a successful and meaningful career post-Villanova.

CONTACT US

The Ellis Center: Office for Professional Development

Are you looking for more information, or would you like to get involved? Please reach out to us!

Kathryn Szumanski, MA, MS
Director of Professional Development
kathryn.szumanski@villanova.edu
610-519-3942

Paige Matzerath, MA
Associate Director of Professional Development
paige.matzerath@villanova.edu
610-519-6193

Arianna Morrison
Assistant Director of Professional Development
arianna.morrison@villanova.edu

David Heuring
Coordinator for Professional Development and Internships
david.heuring@villanova.edu
610-519-3944

Madison Battinelli
Graduate Assistant | CLAS Peer Career Coaching Lead
mbattine@villanova.edu

FOLLOW THE ELLIS CENTER

STUDENT RESOURCES

A student and staff member meet in an office.

A student chats with a representative at a career fair.

A student chats with alumni.

FUNDING FOR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Thanks to the generosity of Villanova donors who recognize the importance of professional development for undergraduate students, the Ellis Center is able to help fund professional and career exploration opportunities.

THEREASA WHYTE '26 CLAS

Thereasa Whyte ’26 CLAS is a Political Science and Criminology double major and interned at the PA State House of Representatives. “Working alongside committee staff and elected officials has strengthened my skills in legislative research, public speaking and policy analysis,” she reflects. “As a student, this experience has brought real-world context to my academic work and motivated me to pursue law school with a clearer sense of purpose.”

Marcellous Frye

MARCELLOUS FRYE '26 CLAS

Marcellous Frye ’26 CLAS is majoring in Communication and interned at Morgan Stanley. “My internship at The Kelly Group within Morgan Stanley has proven to be one of the most significant experiences in my academic and professional development,” he says. “It taught me the importance of taking full responsibility for my work, communicating with confidence, and managing my responsibilities independently. I am leaving this internship with increased knowledge, heightened motivation, and a strong sense of direction for my future.”

Amber Werner ’26 CLAS

AMBER WERNER ’26 CLAS

Amber Werner ’26 CLAS is a Peace and Justice and Criminology double major and interned at Barst & Mukamal Law. “Working directly on employment-based visa petitions, I've gained practical legal skills,” she shares. “Observing experienced attorneys navigate complex immigration cases has deepened my understanding of legal strategy and client advocacy. This hands-on experience has not only clarified my commitment to a career in immigration law but strengthened my attention to detail, communication skills and confidence in professional settings.

Jackson Spahr teaching a mindfulness session.

JACKSON SPAHR ’26 CLAS

Jackson Spahr ’26 CLAS is a Psychology major and interned at Camp Tecumseh. “My internship this summer as a mindfulness meditation instructor had a significant impact on both my professional and academic development,” says Jackson. “Teaching boys aged eight to 16 enhanced my communication, adaptability and leadership skills, especially in learning how to relate to and appeal to diverse age groups. Additionally, engaging in this internship reinforced my passion for mental health counseling and the utilization of these holistic techniques.”