Leadership OU, in its 10th year after being established in 2013, is looking to make more Oakland University undergraduate students aware of the program. After previously being offered to only upperclassmen, Program Student Engagement and Outreach Coordinator Jane McComber is excited about what that means for prospective members.
“The exciting part about the program this year is we opened it from just juniors and seniors to all of undergrad now, so freshmen to seniors can apply,” McComber said.
But what exactly is Leadership OU? The program provides students with connections to OU alumni who take the role of mentors to the program’s undergraduate students. Once students are accepted into the program and are “mentees,” they may not be placed with a mentor who graduated from their major. The scope of the program’s mission is much broader than that.
“The top three pillars are leadership, networking and professionalism. The point of the program is for them to learn more about undergraduate, postgrad, the transition and how do I connect with people. What should I do to prepare for an interview? When should I start interviewing?” McComber said.
The program is also free and requires just a small commitment from its mentees. A series of speakers hosts sessions students must attend, headed by prominent alumni. Then, on the mentorship side, students will meet with their assigned mentors once a month. Oftentimes, mentors and mentees keep in contact, and the program spurs a mentorship that goes beyond the conclusion of the program itself.
Students can apply for the program online through Google Forms. 15 students are brought into the program each year, and the things applicants must satisfy are transparent: A 3.0 grade average. In addition, applicants will go through an interview process for the program to gauge if students suit the program’s mission.
“What we’re specifically looking for in this program is students who like working. If you can come in and show us the skills, manage your time and be at every speaker session and you come in motivated and you come in willing to learn, and ultimately, a team player,” McComber said.
The program is revered, as well. In 2015, the program took home the Pride of CASE V Silver Award for Best Student Alumni Program. Since then, the program has only grown, and success stories have been generated year in and year out to show for it. One in particular, occurring just this year, highlights the program’s efforts.
“She and her mentor did a mock interview, and her mentor helped her with what questions to talk about. She wanted this internship for next summer and to be able to get a full-time job by next fall. Her mentor helped her with all of these steps, and two weeks later, she got the internship. My mentee told me, ‘Without that help, I don’t know if I would’ve gotten that internship,” McComber said.
The Leadership OU application closes on May 31, 2024. Again, if students wish to apply, they can find the application online through Google Forms. Students can also contact McComber at [email protected] with any questions or concerns.
