More than ever before, employers and graduate schools expect today’s graduating college student to be very prepared for their competitive environments.  Many employers have eliminated training programs expecting incoming employees to ‘sink or swim’.  Many graduate schools have limited or no resources for professional and career development programming, which leaves students unprepared and struggling to figure it out on their own.

Starting in 2011, the Office of Personal and Career Development will provide leadership development education and programming with special focus on students in the arts and sciences.  Through curricular, co-curricular, and extra-curricular experiences and offerings, students will develop the core competencies necessary for success in post-graduate life and work, including interpersonal and professional communication, and leading and working in diverse teams. Academic courses, educational workshops, online education and training, experiential activities, and individualized coaching and mentoring will equip students with the requisite knowledge and skills.

This unique undergraduate leadership development initiative at Wake Forest will be a leader among U.S. universities and colleges. Through their exceptional leadership skills, Wake Forest students will distinguish themselves as intelligent, talented and capable employees and graduate students who are ready — beginning the first day on the job or in graduate school — to be highly productive colleagues in the fast-paced, highly demanding, dynamic professional environments of the 21^st century.