
Kathryn Drago
LEAD & Academic Development Program Director
- kdrago@ua.edu
- (205) 348-6920
- Connect with Kathryn on LinkedIn
Leveraging Engagement to Advance Development
All LEAD experiences strengthen students’ skills in one or more of the 10 LEAD competencies. Students in the LEAD Program learn through four major components: A series of courses, industry events, small-group workshops, and alumni mentoring. Students may also self-report experiences related to the competencies.
Why does the LEAD Program teach competencies? The most requested skills in job postings aren’t data analytics, AI, or advanced computer skills. They’re the soft skills — what LEAD calls “competencies.” Think communication, teamwork, and critical thinking. The technical skills students learn today may be obsolete tomorrow, but employees proficient in the competencies below will be able to grow into the jobs of tomorrow. (HR Dive, 2025)
Requirements
Benefits
In addition to honing their career-readiness competencies, LEAD students experience benefits such as:
Each LEAD course is taught by top-tier faculty who make competencies come alive through personal experiences and real-world examples. According to the standards of our accrediting organization, AACSB, LEAD instructors excel at career readiness competencies. Traditional Culverhouse students enroll in a series of three, one-credit LEAD classes, shown below. Transfer students and those who join Culverhouse after their freshman year take two equivalent courses, accelerating their professional development.
Target Audience | Traditional Student | Transfer Student or Major Change |
Freshman | GBA 146: Exploring Your Path (1-credit hour, 25-student cap) | |
Sophomore or junior | GBA 246: Choosing Your Path (1-credit hour, 50-student cap) | GBA 247: Redefining Your Path (2-credit hours, 42 student cap) |
Junior or senior | GBA 346: Pursuing Your Path (1-credit hour, 50-student cap) | GBA 346: Pursuing Your Path (1-credit hour, 50-student cap) |
Note: GBA 300 and GBA 490 are not part of the LEAD sequence
Through attending LEAD courses, Events, Coaching, Career sessions, Selma Resilience Initiative events, Culverhouse conferences, study abroad, student organization meetings, and more. All opportunities must be logged on the Suitable app.
All Culverhouse College of Business students
GBA 146 and 247 students are required to attend LEAD events. All other Culverhouse students are encouraged. Suitable registration is appreciated.
GBA 246 and 247 students are required to attend LEAD coaching. All other Culverhouse students are encouraged. Suitable registration is appreciated.
GBA 346 students are required to attend LEAD career sessions. All other Culverhouse students are encouraged. Suitable registration is appreciated.
Yes. Often a student who has registered will not be able to attend. Come early and check in with the host to see if there is space available.
Join LEADConnect and message a user after researching them for a flash mentoring session.
Attend the Culverhouse Career Fair Preview or LEAD Coaching Drop In available on Suitable. Update your resume and LinkedIn profiles with VMock. Do your company research on the Career Fair Plus app and prepare your elevator pitch and questions. Ready your business professional attire. Find more tips on the Career Center Career Fair webpage.
See the Career Center at Culverhouse’s sample library and make an appointment with a career advisor on Handshake and/or use VMock to get feedback.
See the Career Center Professional Etiquette and Attire webpage for tips.
All Culverhouse students should strive for an internship or Co-op. Make an appointment with the Career Center at Culverhouse on Handshake to start internship planning. Learn about Co-ops for all majors through the Engineering Career Development Center.
If you are unable to intern or Co-op, search the “Beyond the Classroom” resources from the Career Center at Culverhouse for alternative job experience.
Culverhouse Communications Excellence Commons
Resume & Cover Letter Reviews
Business & Professional Writing Skills
Professional Communication
Presentation Preparation
Interview Preparation
Constructive Assignment Feedback
Fall 2025 | BIDGOOD 233
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