Leadership activities help students develop their knowledge about leadership and practice leadership skills. The act of leading involves the ability to make decisions with integrity, influence individuals to accomplish a goal, and cultivate and bring to fruition a vision of success by building positive relationships. Roles that furnish such skills include serving as an officer in a Recognized Student Organization; chairing a lecture series or discussion panel; serving as a student senator or representative on a university board; participating in a leadership development program, or engaging in the formal study of leadership theories.
The goals of a Leadership Experience are to:
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Learn skills for managing relationships with and between group members
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Improve one’s ability to set and achieve objectives
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Learn to use sound judgment when making decisions
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Build confidence in one’s ability to lead
How can a student benefit from leadership experiences?
Students who take on leadership roles will:
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Demonstrate their ability to take charge where appropriate
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Become familiar with how to make decisions within a group
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Acquire effective decision-making strategies and listening skills
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Be better prepared for management/supervisory roles on the job
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Learn skills that will help them attain their personal goals
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Document knowledge, skills, and attitudes related to a career for placement on the Clarion University co-curricular transcript
Why do employers value potential employees’ leadership experiences?
Employers find that candidates with leadership experience can work well with co-workers while motivating them to give their best performances. Leaders also know how to responsibly prioritize and balance goals and to plan for the future. They will take the initiative on projects and actualize good ideas. Some employers are more impressed with a candidate with a few solid leadership experiences than a candidate who is marginally involved in numerous activities.
