Leadership 360

Applications are now open for the Ted Bauer Leadership Certificate Program (TBLCP), a year-long initiative that supports professional and personal growth for undergraduate business students.

Once students are admitted into the program, they meet each week for sessions focused on leadership framework, communication skills, collaboration and more. Students hit the ground running, Program Manager for Leadership Initiatives Becca Davis said, working within small group cohorts to build a network while building their skillset.

“From the second week of the program we start talking about public speaking, and everyone gives a 30-second impromptu speech,” Davis said. “At the end of the program, we have a capstone project where each group gives a 10-minute presentation. The stark difference between the beginning to end is always impressive.”

TBLCP puts a strong emphasis on confidence, working with students throughout the year to prioritize self-assurance.

“Throughout the year, I see the students become more confident in their skills and their leadership style,” Davis said. “Confidence begins to show up whenever students truly start to see themselves as leaders.”

One of the program’s most distinct elements is its priority on CliftonStrengths. All participants take the assessment and learn their top five strengths. From there, there’s a workshop explaining the value of the assessment.

“Every single student gets 30 minutes of individualized one-on-one support,” Davis said. “They connect with their top five strengths, learn to lead with them and embrace them throughout the year.”

Supply chain management and finance junior Mahdiya Bhiwandiwala participated in the program last school year. As a commuter, Bhiwandiwala said she felt like she was missing out on the college experience, so she joined the program to build her community.

“Coming in I knew the program would benefit me professionally, but I underestimated the amount of personal growth I would achieve,” Bhiwandiwala said. “The activities are curated in a way where you really do reflect on yourself, your skills, attributes, practices, habits and values.”

After Bhiwandiwala earned her TBLCP certificate, she still felt like her time with the program wasn’t over yet. This fall, she plans to return to the program as a peer adviser.

“I was very excited by the prospect of being part of the same program that helped me so much,” Bhiwandiwala said. “I thought that it would be a great way to give back and show the appreciation that I have for this program by helping other TBLCP participants.”

She added: “If I could use my experiences and my journey to help someone else's journey, it would bring me a lot of joy and delight.”

All Bauer College undergraduate students with at least one year of college experience and at least a 2.5 GPA are eligible to apply for TBLCP.

Applications are open Aug. 17-Sept. 8.