MARKETING YOUR STUDENT LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE

Jerri Arnold-CookDirector Leadership and Cultural Programs304 Norwood Hall Ext. 7504Email arnoldcookj@mst.edu

WHAT IS LEADERSHIP?

“It is an influence process-any time you are trying to influence the thoughts and actions of others toward goal accomplishment in

either their personal or professional life.”

Ken Blanchard & Phil Hodges

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO MARKET YOUR STUDENT LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCES?

A survey revealed that if an employer had two equally qualified candidates for a position, he or she used the following to decide who to hire:

Leadership positions 4.0 Major 3.9 GPA of 3.0 or above 3.7 Extracurricular Activities 3.6 Volunteer Work 3.0

 

Based upon 5-point scale where 1=no influence, 2=not much influence

3=somewhat of an influence, 4=very much influence5=extreme influence.

  

 

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO MARKET YOUR STUDENT LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCES?EMPLOYERS RATE THE IMPORTANCE OF CANDIDATE QUALITIES/SKILLS AS FOLLOWS:

Strong Work Ethic Detail Oriented

Communication Skills Organizational Skills

Teamwork Skills (works well with others) Leadership Skills

Initiative Self-Confidence

Interpersonal Skills (relates well toward others) Friendly Outgoing Personality

Problem-Solving Skills Tactfulness

Analytical Skills Creativity

Flexibility/Adaptability Strategic Planning Skills

Computer Skills Entrepreneurial Skills/Risk

Taker

Technical Skills Sense of Humor

Source: Job Outlook 2008. National Association of Colleges and Employers

WHEN SHOULD YOU SHARE INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR LEADERSHIP SKILLS

Resume Sections• Personal Contact Information Education

Projects or Courses Computer Skills

Honors & Activities Interview

Tell me about a time when you …If You Wear An Organizational

Pin To an interview

WHAT SHOULD YOU SAY ABOUT YOUR LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCES?

Don’t Make AssumptionsDon’t Just Focus on Titles

Focus On • Your Accomplishments• What You Learned• What Skills or Abilities You Developed

or Sharpened

Putting Your Knowledge Into Action

QUESTIONS