As a former higher education academic and career services administrator with 10+ years of experience working with traditional and nontraditional college students, I understand the challenges of juggling school with work and other responsibilities. In many instances, college students put developing soft skills on the back burner, thinking they can build their leadership skills when they land their first “real” job. However, that decision can be costly in the end. As you pursue your college education and prepare to join the workforce, you could be thrust into a leadership position earlier than anticipated. Being ready for this responsibility is crucial, even if you don’t have a leadership role.

Preparing for leadership roles in college can help students stand out in the job market. Employers are looking for candidates with leadership qualities and demonstrated leadership experience. By building a strong track record of leadership roles in college, students can showcase their potential to employers and increase their chances of landing a job after graduation.

Here are some tips to help you prepare for your first leadership role:

1. Develop your soft skills: While technical skills are important, soft skills are equally critical in leadership roles. Soft skills include communication, empathy, active listening, problem-solving, and decision-making. Practice these skills by volunteering, participating in group projects, and seeking feedback from peers and mentors. You can also take online courses or attend workshops to develop these skills further.
2. Seek out mentorship: Having a mentor can be invaluable in your professional development. Seek out someone with experience in your desired field and ask them to mentor you. This person can offer advice, guidance, and feedback on your progress. You can also join professional organizations and attend networking events to meet potential mentors.
3. Build a strong network: Networking is crucial in any career, especially leadership roles. Build relationships with colleagues, peers, and industry professionals. Attend industry events and conferences to expand your network. Be proactive in reaching out to people and maintaining those relationships.
4. Learn from your experiences: Every experience, good or bad, is an opportunity to learn and grow. Reflect on your past experiences and consider what you could have done differently. Take those lessons and apply them to future situations.
5. Take on leadership opportunities: Even if you’re not currently in a leadership role, look for opportunities to lead. This could be leading a project, volunteering for a leadership role in a club or organization, or even taking charge of a group project in your current job. These experiences will help you develop your leadership skills and show others you can lead.
6. Learn from others: Read biographies of successful leaders, watch TED Talks, and listen to podcasts. Seek mentors and ask them about their leadership journey. Learn from their successes and failures.
7. Be adaptable: Leadership roles come with a lot of responsibility and change. Be prepared to adapt to different situations and challenges. Learn to be flexible and open-minded in your approach to leadership.

Remember that leadership is not just about telling people what to do but also about being a role model, inspiring others, and bringing out the best in people. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a successful leader in your field. If you are ready to develop your leadership skills, schedule your 1:1 by clicking here.

DeNeen K. Attard, CEO of ALA, is happy to announce that Illuminating Leadership 1.0, an on-demand 5-week training course created in collaboration with Dr. Lashun Aron-Smith, CEO of LAS Education Consulting, LLC, is coming soon!

Reserve your spot to register for Illuminating Leadership 1.0 beta testing at http://bit.ly/3nDsnJ1.

Attard Leadership Academy, LLC partners with individuals and corporations to help new and emerging leaders create and execute a strategic leadership development plan to champion change, lead teams, and gain influence in their workspace. We help our clients become more confident, engaged, and productive leaders.