Leveraging Engagement to Advance Development
A cutting-edge, transformative competency-based program that engages 10,000+ students through professional development courses, events, workshops, technologies, and immersive opportunities so that they can reach their highest potential in the job search, excel as new hires, and bring lasting change to their communities.
When students build skills like communication, productive teamwork, and critical thinking, they also learn how to improve relationships, increase productivity, and overcome challenges (Soft Skills: The Competitive Edge – U.S. Department of Labor). LEAD gives students the foundation to create healthy environments and be lifelong learners.
Screening candidates by GPA is a “thing of the past.” Instead, employers are looking for demonstrated proficiency in career readiness competencies. (National Association of Colleges and Employers [NACE], 2023). LEAD provides students with a way to develop and easily communicate their proficiency to recruiters.
LEAD makes clear the level of performance employers expect from their new hires (National Association of Colleges and Employers [NACE], 2025). By helping students strengthen their career-readiness competencies, the program prepares Gen-Z employees to be successful on day 1 of work and beyond.
LEAD is one of a handful of programs nationwide that enthusiastically undertakes the important challenge of preparing every business student with the in-demand skills employers want. After fulfilling the minimum requirements of the program, students may deepen their skill proficiency through a menu of impactful experiences.
kslatopolski@ua.edu
(205) 348-5171
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