CDI leadership program opportunity

The student leadership program is a collaboration between the Boerigter Center, the Center for Diversity and Inclusion and Herman Miller to support students in the development of effective planning strategies in order for them to achieve their desired goals and outcomes for their future. One of the main contributors to the program, Vanessa Greene, is the director for the Center for Diversity and Inclusion, and she sees this opportunity as prime for students, especially students of color.

The first session was held on Sept. 22, the second and third will be held on Oct. 25 and Nov. 13, both from 4-6 p.m. The first session’s goal was to help students identify their unique career attributes related to their interests, values and skills, clarify connections between their personal, academic and extra-curricular interests, identify viable careers and start a personalized action plan to achieve their career goals. The second session will allow students to discover strategies for applying their strengths in the work place, learn how to use their strengths in developing their resume and develop effective interviewing and personal branding skills.

The purpose of the last session is to assist students by helping them develop a professional brand by effectively marketing and promoting their educational background, work experience, leadership experience and specific skills related to job interests. There will be another edition in the fall, to help students effectively prepare for the job search process: interviewing skills, networking, job shadowing. A panel of professionals will provide students with career success strategies: professional etiquette, culture, protocol, etc.

There will also be an opportunity for five to ten students to be sponsored by Herman Miller so this is a great opportunity for students to interact with a company like Herman Miller and be on the forefront of leadership ability. Herman Miller wants to continue to cultivate an atmosphere of diversity in the workplace which means this is a great opportunity.