GLC Leadership Certificate Program Kicks Off with Orientation
Last year’s Leadership Certificate showcase.
Photo courtesy of Shawna Sherrell
By Gauri Mangala, Staff Writer
On Tuesday, the Garthwait Leadership Center (GLC) hosted its annual orientation for their Gettysburg College Leadership Certificate Program. Students of all class years joined in the CUB Ballroom to learn more about the year-long program in which they are able to enrich their leadership skills.
“Any student, no matter what their major is or what they decide to do outside of the classroom, gets paired with a leadership coach who really helps them to develop some key leadership skills that will translate into a meaningful life and a meaningful career,” explained Andy Hughes, director of the GLC. “It’s a year-long program where they really gain a broader perspective of what leadership is and how to practice it an intentional, ethical way.”
Throughout the year, students will attend seminars regarding leadership development while also working closely with a leadership coach. Students will take the lessons they learn from the program and find a practical way to apply it to an activity they are involved in outside of the GLC.
“From my perspective, college is a time where you’re learning who you are, what you believe, what your strengths are…it’s really about understanding yourself. What leadership development does is helps you focus on that,” illustrated Hughes.
It is extremely unlikely that one will encounter a job that is not looking for an employee with leadership and teamwork capabilities. Having a leadership certificate demonstrating your talents on your resume will be a huge boost.
“In high school, leadership is seen as a popularity contest, or something that is seen as a title or a position. Sort of like, ‘if I’m homecoming king, I’m a leader.’ Where, our philosophy is that the art and science of leadership happens at multiple levels of an organization,” explained Hughes.
It looks like it is going to be a great year for the Gettysburg College Leadership Certificate program, as many participants have expressed excitement about getting started. “I think that [unlike many] of the programs here, [that] this something that everyone can do to better themselves in the workplace and in the future; it will really be beneficial,” said Alexandra Yiambilis ’21.
Afraid you have missed your chance? Have no fear! Hughes ensures that, “For any student who reads [this] and says ‘oh man, did I miss the opportunity?’, I would just encourage them to come in and talk to us and see what other ways they could develop in their leadership journey.”
