Villanova, Pa. -

Field Hockey seniors Carolynn Clark and Ann Romanowski spent their summer at Villanova participating in the School of Business Summer Business Institute (SBI) program. The ten week institute takes place in Bartley Hall where the Business school is located. While in the program students take 16-credits; the classes focus on finance, economics, accounting, marketing, management, and corporate responsibilities.

Clark is a Psychology major with minors in Criminology and Business from Haddonfield, N.J. She has been named to the BIG EAST Academic All-Stars in 2012 and 2013; and to the NFHCA Division I Academic All-Stars in 2012, 2013, and 2014.

Romanowski is a Biology major with minors in Business and Psychology who is from West Pittston, Pa. She has also been named as one of the team's two captains this upcoming season.

Both girls shared what they took from their experience at SBI and how they feel it will help them in the future.

What was a typical day like for you at SBI?

Clark: "LONG. We started our day at 9 A.M. and did not finish with classes until 4 P.M. A typical day for us mostly was made up of class. Every day we had 6 hours of class with an hour break for lunch in between. After class, Ann and I would run and work out to stay in shape for our upcoming fall season. After we worked out we would eat dinner and then do homework or do the reading for the night to ensure we kept up with the work. Not a crazy summer but definitely a rewarding one at the end!"

What was one part of your time at SBI that will stick with you?

Romanowski: "We had a networking event to prepare us for the real world. Todd Sullivan (Villanova '95) from Morgan Stanley came to talk to us about the appropriate way to engage in a professional conversation, interview, and any sort of relationship building. This personal insight and concern from such a successful person awed me. The thing that really stuck with me was the power and appreciation we need to have for our extensive and involved alumni network. SBI taught us to seize opportunities and never settle for average, but also to use the support system around us. Villanova alumni love Villanovians, so show them 'what you've got to offer!'"

What are your thoughts on your overall experience after completing the SBI?

Clark: "I really enjoyed my experience at SBI. It exposed me to a whole new world that I never knew existed. I knew basic things about business, but nothing that could really get me by in the business world. The classes and work load were intense yet I learned so much in one summer that I am very happy with my choice to do SBI. I met great people and professors and made some close friends through the program that I probably would not have had the opportunity to meet with my regular schedule. Before SBI, business was a very intimidating subject to me yet it has opened my eyes to a lot more opportunities in the future."

Would you recommend SBI to other students?

Romanowski: "Yes. You learn all the necessary elements of a business, while most importantly making connections and relationships. You meet such a unique group of people who you may never have encountered otherwise."

Now with the 10-week institute behind them, both girls have just started preseason. The team will start their season at home on August 28 at 7 PM vs. Sacred Heart.