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Welcome to the Career Leadership Academy

Who are we?
The Career Leadership Academy is an exciting opportunity for YOU to develop your leadership and professional skills – those same skills that employers have told us they’re looking for in new employees.


What do we do?
Our program is comprised of 4 academic credit-bearing courses called “phases” that focus on developing the leadership skills you already have and discovering the ones you’ll need to be successful after graduation. Each phase of the program is filled with seminars, activities, and events designed to give you an edge as a leader in whatever career field you choose.


What will I learn?
We asked employers what they want from you – their future employee - and they have spoken! They need you to have great communication skills, interpersonal skills, leadership skills, and the ability to work well with others. * The purpose of the Career Leadership Academy is to provide knowledge and experiences that explore these skills and their relationship to your own career path.


Why is this important?
They need you to have great verbal and written communication skills, interpersonal skills, analytical and problem solving skills, be willing to take initiative and have a strong work ethic, and have the ability to work well with others. *

*NACE Research: Job Outlook 2011


So… How do I get in on this?
Register for course 421:106 when registration opens up for the semester you are interested in.

Questions?
Call 319-335-1023.
career-leadership@uiowa.edu

Do not miss out on this exciting opportunity!
You owe it to your career, you owe it to your future, and you owe it to yourself!


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Career Leadership Academy Details

VISION, MISSION, VALUES

Vision:  The Career Leadership Academy is a distinctive and innovative academic leadership program that inspires today's college student to become engaged citizens prepared to face tomorrow’s challenges in the local, national, and global community.

Mission:  The Career Leadership Academy prepares aspiring Iowa undergraduate student leaders to excel in their future endeavors beyond the University setting and to live and lead with integrity.  Through meaningful and intentional academic and experiential coursework, students develop leadership skills and professionalism in a collaborative and inclusive environment.  The Academy challenges its students to connect with leaders in order to live a purposeful life and create positive change on a local, national, and global level.

Core Values: The Career Leadership Academy strives to live by and enhance its mission and vision through the following core values:

  • Excellence
  • Integrity
  • Inclusiveness
  • Learning & Development
  • Making a Difference

COURSE DESCRIPTION

4-semester academic credit-bearing program

  • The Self Aware Leader (421:106)
  • Open to all undergradute majors at The University of Iowa
  • Over 400 students enroll each semester from over 90 different majors
  • Need at least 15 credit hours to enroll
  • Learn what employers want from you!

What You Will Do:

  • Engage in seminars, activities, and events designed to give students an edge as leaders in their career field of choice
  • Learn communication skills, interpersonal skills, presentation skills and the ability to work well with others
  • Discuss leadership and employee development
  • Connect with your peers and employers
  • Learn from guest speakers
  • Reflect on your own personal career journey
  • Collaborate on a Service Project
  • Create a Leadership Portfolio
  • Curriculum at a Glance

What You Get Out of Career Leadership Academy:

  • Academic credit: Two semester hours of academic credit for Phases I and III, and one hour of academic credit for Phases II and IV.
  • UI Certificate in Leadership Studies: Coursework can be applied to the certificate.
  • Exclusive Opportunities: Career Leadership Academy students will have access to career exploration opportunities, networking events, and leadership opportunities that are certain to catapult their career.
  • Skills: Graduates of the Career Leadership Academy will gain the employment and leadership skills that today’s employers are seeking!

What Students and Employers Say about CLA:

"I have landed in Massachusetts and after a lot of searching, interviewing and networking, I landed at MRI. I've been here for about six months now and I can tell you, much of what CLA prepared and forewarned was spot on. I have certainly taken away a lot of the information in the program and put it to good use here. I've found the lessons in CLA to be effective and too numerous to mention individually." (James)

"At Rockwell Collins, our core values consist of teamwork, innovation, integrity, customer focus and leadership. We expect our future and current employees to demonstrate these values. The Career Leadership Academy does a great job of preparing students for the real world." (Sue Daugherty, Manager of People Development - Finance Department, Rockwell Collins)

More Student Quotes

More Employer Quotes

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CLA Current Students/Alumni

CURRENT STUDENTS

VIDEO SPOTLIGHT

PROGRAM INFORMATION/IMPORTANT DATES

Living-Learning Community

PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS            CURRENT STUDENTS


PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS

Enrolling at the University of Iowa next year?

Why not start your college experience of right with a balance of academic success, great leadership experiences, civic engagement, and memorable social opportunities. Join the Leadership Living-Learning Community, coordinated and sponsored by the Career Leadership Academy.

What is a Living-Learning Community (LLC)?

LLCs are small groups of students who share common interests that live on the same residence floor or floor(s). This particular community focuses on leadership and career development for first-year students.

What would I do in this community?

Residents of the Leadership LLC have the opportunity to participate in a number of fun and educational activities such as:
  • Career and leadership workshops and events
  • Volunteer activities with local non-profits
  • Road Trips to visit various businesses and explore interesting professions
  • Connect with upper-class CLA Peer Mentors
  • Interactions with faculty, staff, and employers
  • Community social events to help you get to know your floor mates
  • Plan your own LLC event!

Some of the recent past events included:

Welcome Picnic! Leadership Retreat Career Advisor Meet and Greet "Users guide to the Mind" Faculty Presentation

Ronald McDonald House Service Event Peer Mentor Appreciation Luncheon Multicultural Event

videoHighlights from the Retreat

Connecting it to the classroom:

As students progress through their first-year in the Leadership LLC they will expand their knowledge of leadership theory and develop skills to not only help them succeed in college but also become positive role models for their community. Part of this learning happens in the classroom.
All Leadership LLC residents are required to take one course in the Fall Semester with their floor mates. Spring semester has recommended class, but it is optional. All CLA courses have small, intimate class sizes and are highly recommended by previous students:

Fall Semester Spring Semester

Career Leadership Academy
Phase I: The Self-Aware Leader (Required*)

  • Leadership history and concept
  • Goal-setting
  • Relational Leadership Model
  • Personal values and ethics
  • Meaningful involvement and engagement
  • Career development
  • Self-awareness assessments

Career Leadership Academy
Phase II: The Leader Who Understands Others (Optional)

  • Group Dynamics
  • Team-building workshop
  • Problem solving
  • Communication styles and skills
  • Leading difficult people
  • Understanding differences
  • Effective presentations
  • “What Employers Want” panel
  • Resume development workshop


*LLC students will enroll in this course during orientation.

CLA Students
CLA students learning in class		 Leaders Live Event
Leaders Live! Event

Why should I join the Leadership Living-Learning Community?

For some, college can seem a little overwhelming. The Leadership Living-Learning Community helps to eliminate that feeling. The knowledge and skills you’ll learn in our program will help you succeed in college and prepare you for life after graduation. Take a look at what some of our current students have to say about the Leadership LLC:

“I enjoy having a "family" around that participates in group activities. It doesn't take long to realize what good friends your fellow CLA members have become and how important they are in that first semester of college. The best part is that you will develop life-long friendships with many of these people” 
                                                                                                              - RaeLyn (Class of 2014)

"CLA is the most beneficial organization on campus. CLA allows you to develop the skills that employers crave. Living in the community has given me a group of people that I can do anything with. This community is all about giving back to make a difference. You only get 4 years at The University of Iowa so why not do something that people will remember? Living in the LLC is a great way to start your legacy of leadership."

                                                                                                              - Michael (Class of 2014)

You owe it to yourself to take advantage of every opportunity that can help make your college career a successful one. Why not do that together, in a community that has the same interests as you?

How do I apply?

Indicate this living-learning community preference on your On-Campus Housing Application and Contract.

How can I get more information?

Email career-leadership@uiowa.edu or call the Pomerantz Career Center at 319-335-1023.

TOP

PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS            CURRENT STUDENTS


CURRENT STUDENTS

Upcoming Events

Road Trips
Coming Soon!

Closing Event
Coming Soon!


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The Marvin A. Pomerantz Leadership Award


Marvin A. Pomerantz

Marvin A. Pomerantz, (1930-2008)

In honor of Marvin Pomerantz, and his dedication to The University of Iowa and its students, Pomerantz Career Center has created the Marvin A. Pomerantz Leadership Award for students in the Career Leadership Academy. This award, given each semester to one or more outstanding students from within the graduating class of the Academy will be given by nomination process, and reviewed and determined by a chosen selection committee.

The Pomerantz Leadership Award will be announced and presented at the Career Leadership Academy graduation ceremony.

Students should nominate either themselves or another class member for the award. The recipient should be someone they feel best exemplifies qualities of leadership such as vision, integrity, tenacity, and philanthropy.

Marvin A. Pomerantz, (1930-2008) a self-made successful entrepreneur, left a legacy in across the state of Iowa. His dedication to education, the State, The University of Iowa and his family were commendable. Born in 1930, he received his bachelor's degree in commerce from the University in 1952.

Excerpt from UI President Mason on UI alumnus, benefactor Pomerantz:

"The University of Iowa would truly not be what it is today without Marvin Pomerantz's dedication to our public universities and his love for our institution," President Mason added. "As a self-made man, he was an example and inspiration to students, faculty, and staff alike.."

Deadline

All completed applications with supporting materials should be submitted to the Pomerantz Career Center, Suite C310 by Friday, February 24, 2012 at 4 pm.

Application/Nomination Form

Spring 2011 Winner Fall 2011 Winner
2010 – 2011 Marvin A. Pomerantz Award Winners


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Faculty/Staff/Employer Involvement

We asked the question you've been dying to know!

We asked employers what they want from today's students - their future employees - and they have spoken! Employers say they need students to have great communication skills, integrity, a strong work ethic, flexibility, interpersonal skills, leadership skills, and the ability to work well with others. They want them to be motivated, detail oriented, and organized; all while demonstrating a strong work ethic. They want leaders who are ready to work! (NACE Research: Job Outlook 2010)

What's this all about?

The Career Leadership Academy is an exciting opportunity for students to develop their leadership and employment skills - those same skills that employers have told us they're looking for in an employee - all while earning academic credit. Career Leadership Academy is a 4-semester academic credit- bearing program comprised of seminars, activities, and events designed to give students an edge as a leader in the classroom, on-campus, and in their career field of choice.

What are students and employers saying about CLA?

"During school, CLA was something that helped me revise my resume The program taught me skills that have become exceedingly more relevant in my current job...I would be completely lost and unable to do my job if it wasn't for the skills I learned in CLA... I took the program for granted while enrolled at Iowa, but it is one of the greatest assets I personally gained during my time there." (Jess, Recent UI and CLA Graduate)

More Student Quotes // More Employer Quotes

How do students begin the process?

  • Have at least 4 remaining semesters in order to complete the program
  • Have completed at least 15 credit hours by the beginning of Phase 1
  • If students meet these qualifications, they can register for 421:106 on ISIS

How can I get involved and help?

  • Mention the Pomerantz Career Center Leadership Academy in conversation with the students that you work with!
  • Events you can be a part of -
    What Employers and Graduate Schools Want panels - meet students in the classroom and answer their questions about the career and graduate school world!
    Presentation Evaluations - observe student presentations about community needs, and offer them feedback that will help prepare them for giving presentations in the professional world.
    CLA Living-Learning Community Events     - various events where you can interact with and imart your academic, professional, and career expertise to our freshman CLA students living together in the residence halls
  • Email Stacy Narcotta-Welp for details.

Do you have questions about the Career Leadership Academy?

Please email career-leadership@uiowa.edu or call the Pomerantz Career Center at 319-335-1023.


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In the News

Advice from Iowa's Spring 2011 Graduates

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