February 22 – 24, 2018, the Office for Career and Outreach Services will host their fourth annual Career Services Leadership Institute. Created in February 2015 from comments by employers expressing interest in supporting students with career development matters, the  Leadership Institute is an interactive experience designed to provide the opportunity for student participants to further develop their skills and competencies in the various areas of leadership and personal development. ā€œIt is our desire that each student attending the Leadership Institute will leave motivated and encouraged to conduct themselves as leaders in their everyday lives, “said Glenda Jones, director of Career & Outreach Service, “to become confident in their skills and abilities, which will lead to successful interviews, presentations and ultimately successful careers.ā€

During the two day institute, students are challenged personally to engage in various self-discovery activities, relationship building, and the development of life skills. Utilizing lectures, workshops, and interactive programs, students master skills in communication, conflict resolution, decision-making, goal setting, problem-solving, and etiquette. Students take advantage of this intense leadership development experience to define leadership perspective and enhance their college experience. Throughout the Institute, students are challenged personally to engage in various self-discovery activities, relationship building, and the development of life skills.

ā€œAs a result of this event several students have received internship offers,ā€ said Jones, ā€œIn 2015, two students received internship offers, and in 2016 five students received internship offers.ā€ This year, a career fair has been added to the schedule, which will allow students an opportunity to speak and network with employers for employment opportunities. ā€œIt is designed to engage students in workshops that will strengthen and enhance their professional, personal and career development, which will ultimately lead to employment in an internship or full-time position,ā€ said Jones.