Interdisciplinary Certificate in Leadership & Service
About ICLS
- What do employers say they look for in employees?
- What do graduates say is needed for job success?
- Why is service important?
- What do students have to say about the program?
- Why an interdisciplinary approach?
What do employers say they look for in employees?
By interviewing graduates and surveying their employers, we've learned that current students need not only technical skills in their major discipline but also the ability to
- lead diverse groups
- effectively communicate with clients and coworkers
To succeed today, every individual must understand his or her role within the work organization. They must also contribute to the communities in which they live and work.
Students are encouraged to learn how to address complex problems within society and in the workplace by thinking critically and using a wide variety of problem-solving skills.
Today's issues cannot be solved using only information, technology or hard data. Employees and citizens must be able to deal with
- human behavior
- motivation
- personal values
- service and quality issues
A global business environment finds people of all races, creeds, nationalities, and perspectives working together.
Effective leadership today is considered as the ability to empower, to create collaborative efforts, and to bring about change. Solving problems requires the ability to see others' perspectives and arrive at solutions which are agreeable to everyone involved. Building support and forming coalitions are important skills for today's employees and leaders. Employees who possess these skills are likely to be leaders in their organizations and communities.
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What do graduates say is needed for job success?
Surveys of UGA graduates and graduates of other schools consistently tell us that once they are out in the workplace, they discover the importance of
- good communication
- team building skills
- real world experience
- personal growth and
- leadership experiences
They encourage us to include classes and activities for current students so they can learn them before they get to the job. This advanced experience contributes to job success.
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Why is service important?
Many corporations include a strong community service component in their mission. Our living communities need active citizen leadership, volunteerism and willingness of many people to be involved to create quality places to live and work. Good communities are not created by a few individuals or governments alone; the active involvement of the citizens who live there plays a large part in creating a good community. Graduates with skills in leadership and community service will be better prepared as citizens and members of the future work force.
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What do students have to say about the program?
- "The things I have learned in this program will allow me to step up and lead with confidence in any situation."
- "As an individual, I was able to realize the potential I have to make a difference in the lives of people."
- "Striving for excellence, accomplishment, accepting mistakes and rejection, not failure, and increasing my confidence level has and will continue to make me a stronger leader in my own life, organizations, and in all other situations."
- "I've become more active in leadership roles. I feel more confident about leading because I understand the fundamentals of leadership."
- "This program was very beneficial to the enhancement and assessment of my leadership capabilities, and has highlighted the areas that should be developed over time through disciplined practice."
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Why an interdisciplinary approach?
Interdisciplinary programs cut across disciplines to provide a broader, more comprehensive view of leadership and service. In this program, participants explore business, community, non-profit, teams and personal leadership arenas to give them the diverse experience that will better prepare them for many situations and leadership roles. Beyond the foundation course, canl take classes in speech communication, political science, sociology, psychology and other areas that include leadership and service. This diverse subject matter provides differing perspectives and approaches to leadership development.
This unique program is open to all UGA undergraduate students. The ICLS is a collaborative effort among multiple colleges, campus units and faculty with an interest or program in developing leadership and service skills.