The Leadership Development Center is gearing up to connect students to professionals and community leaders this spring, for a one-on-one mentoring experience in the real world.
Applications are now being accepted for the center's annual Leadership Experience Achievement Program (LEAP). The program, set to take place April 2, matches undergraduate and graduate students with area professionals to allow students an inside look at a career path.
"Hopefully, the students will have a chance to see how (the professionals) got to where they are now," said Shyla Benson, a coordinator for the program.
According to Katie Scollin, a graduate assistant at the center, 55 professionals - many of whom are UB alumni - are set to volunteer their time.
"Since it's a leadership mentorship, we try to expose the student to different leadership styles and career paths," Scollin said. "It's really good for networking purposes."
For example, Scollin said the program could pair a pre-medical student with a medical professional who runs a non-profit clinic to show the student career options he or she may not have considered.
Students participating in the program will be exempt from classes and are expected to participate in activities for the duration of a workday.
At the end of the day, all participants and mentors will gather at the Park Management Center downtown for a reception.
Robert Santos, a sophomore majoring in media studies, said he is considering participating in the program.
"I would expect to gain experience in the field and just working in general, as well as possible connections for the future," said Santos.
Samuel Morales Jr., a senior majoring in communication, said the program offers an interesting opportunity for students to narrow their career foci.
"It would give them an idea of what to expect in the future and help them make decisions now about what they want to do in the future," said Morales.
Keith Hessian, a senior media studies major, had a similar program in his high school, when he shadowed a member of the faculty for a day.
"It gave me the opportunity to see what opportunities are out there," said Hessian.
Aimee Brace, one of the professionals participating, is the vice president of strategic development at Catholic Health Systems. She graduated from UB in 1994.
Last year, Brace mentored a student who accompanied her to several meetings dealing with a multi-million dollar project.
"She was able to experience leadership firsthand," said Brace.
According to Brace, the experience offers greater opportunities for the participants because she gets a chance to talk plainly with students, to understand their goals and aspirations, and to offer guidance and advice accordingly.
"I think students involved in LEAP clearly are having what it takes to succeed," she said. "LEAP students seem to have initiative."
The application process for the Leadership Experience Achievement Program involves a 10 to 15 minute interview, which Benson said would be used to learn about applicant's career goals and aspirations and to gauge what the applicant wants to get out of the program.
Applications are due at 5 p.m. on Feb. 19. Students can apply online at http://www.leadership.buffalo.edu/ or get an application from the Leadership Development Center in 235 Student Union.
