Benefits of Leadership Development for College Students

In a 2004 study, two researchers (Conger & Ready) found that nearly 75 percent of businesses and many professional organizations focus on competencies when recruiting new professionals and evaluating current employees. These competencies are defined as the knowledge, values, abilities and behaviors that help an individual contribute to or successfully engage in a role or task. Such competencies, as listed below, can be cultivated through leadership training/development experiences:

  • Self-awareness and self-development
  • Civic/Social Responsibility
  • Group Dynamics
  • Interpersonal and Intercultural Interaction
  • Communication
  • Critical Thinking
  • Problem-Solving and Decision-Making
  • Strategic Planning
  • Personal Behavior

Leadership is important to all majors and for all career paths!