The Observer, September 28, 2007
Volume XL, Issue 5
Fall Leadership Conference will focus on value of networking
This year's Fall Leadership Conference, held tomorrow from noon to 5:30 p.m., offers students the opportunity to gain networking skills, not just as professionals, but also as undergraduate students. In its history, the Leadership Conference committees for the fall and winter conferences selected a theme relating to the idea of leadership and constructed the entire conference around the idea. Networking and its impact will be the focus of this fall's conference.
"Networking isn't just about getting ahead or building a résumé; it's an important skill which enables you to make connections that uncover opportunities and best practices," totes the Leadership Conference website.
The conference will feature alumnus Gordon Daily as the keynote speaker, who will focus on the concept of networking, how it plays a role in the workplace, and how to make it work for personal benefit.
In addition, there will be three breakout sessions during the course of the afternoon. Each will consist of eight choices, ranging from "Just what does it mean to be a good person, anyway?" to "Be the change you wish to see in the world." The sessions cover topics like leadership development, personal development, values, and group dynamics. Some will feature innovative methods of teaching such as "Leadership at the movies," which outlines five ways to become an effective leader by using Hollywood movies as guides. "Get off of Facebook and into your chem book" resonates with students today as well. This session will focus on how students can motivate themselves academically during that mid-semester slump.
The sessions will be led by a number of staff members, as well as by some students, such as Adam Rupe, Colleen Barker-Williamson, and Wes Schaub.
This will be the third year for the Leadership Conference. In the past, it has been a highly attended event with 200-300 students participating in each conference.
"The Leadership Conference has been one of the most successful programs coming out of the Office of Student Activities and Leadership; it always gets good reviews," said Stephanie Crawley, conference coordinator. "There are some really great sessions this year, and the keynote will provide for an interesting insight into the world of networking outside of the school."
This fall's conference aims to help students "polish their networking skills and become more connected as a student and professional. Through workshops, hands-on activities, and personal reflection, participants will further develop their ability to affect change as leaders and global citizens," states the Leadership Conference website.
"Hopefully students will gain a greater knowledge of leadership skills, especially on networking. They will learn methods that will strengthen them as leaders, as well as connect them to the campus and greater community," said Crawley.
The conference will be held in Thwing Center, and students who register via http://studentaffairs.case.edu/programs/leadership/ will receive a free T-shirt and lunch. In addition, the Emerging Leaders Program will conduct interviews in Thwing for their program before the conference begins. Students are encouraged to register prior to the conference date.
The event is sponsored by the Office of Student Activities and Leadership and the Office of Greek Life, as well as numerous co-sponsors.
"There is always a need to discuss the topic of leadership and all it encompasses," said Crawley.
