VSB '12 student here; ask me anything

vsbstudent12
Tue, 12 Apr 2011 13:40:37 +0000

Elec:

How much freedom do you get when scheduling/choosing classes? I know there’s a core curriculum, but I’m not sure how much room I have to take electives. Also, is it doable to double major or to pursue a minor with the core curriculum? I plan to major in marketing, but I want to try management and psychology (in CAS) as well. How are on campus recruitments for VSB students? Do most students look for internships and how many internship opportunities are there? Is the atmosphere cut-throat like at Wharton or Stern?
Thank you so much for offering help!



Another long one! Let me break it down.



How much freedom do you get when scheduling/choosing classes?

Freshman year is largely locked for business students with some exceptions (AP credits can fill a requirement; you can shift stuff around with sophomore year courses if there’s a reason). Sophomore/Juniors get much more freedom, seniors get the most. Business students get 15 completely free credits, but a lot of them use that to double-dip a second major/a minor so they can graduate on time without overloading. There’s a [page here](VILLANOVA SCHOOL OF BUSINESS | Villanova University) that will show you the requirements for the VSB class of 2015.



Also, is it doable to double major or to pursue a minor with the core curriculum?

Minor is doable; major is harder, and it depends on the majors/major & minor combo. A lot of business students double major because it doesn’t add too much to the requirements; Lib arts, it varies. Definitely a good question to ask if you go to a Candidate’s day.



I plan to major in marketing, but I want to try management and psychology (in CAS) as well.

My advisor proposed this combo to me; therefore, I think it’s definitely doable, especially if you bring in AP credits.



How are on campus recruitments for VSB students?

A TON of employers come to campus. Business Dynamics I/BDII require “development” events, which is the School of Business’ way of forcing you to attend some career events. I think it’s worthwhile - you find some interesting and then you attend of your own volition ;)

There are a LOT of employers that visit campus, and meeting the recruiter is valuable. The fall career fair is gigantic. A lot of employers post internships on GoNova, many of which are pre-approved for academic credit (the employer went through some processes with Villanova to ensure that it should be eligible before posting the job). There are definitely opportunities.



Do most students look for internships and how many internship opportunities are there?

There are many, but it IS competitive (nature of the school). Most valuable advice I can give you is to know one or two profs in your discipline well and they can refer you -it’s invaluable. Some profs are better than others in this regard, listen to your peers and you’re bound to find out who knows people in the industry.



Is the atmosphere cut-throat like at Wharton or Stern?

Competitive? Yes.
Cut throat? No.
If you ask someone on a competing team about an assignment they may keep their cards close, but most people are pretty free about sharing information. You’ll never see people sabotaging projects or anything like I’ve heard about at other schools.

People are very proud of their success, but it’s never a “you did 2 points worse than me!” thing. People take their work seriously, and in teams people take initiative. I would say it’s competitive without going into the negative element.