If you think leadership skills are only for those with a burning ambition to manage others in the workplace, think again. There are many benefits to developing your knowledge and practice of leadership skills before you dive into your career, whether you want to run a global entity such as Apple or Amnesty International or work for yourself in your little corner of the world.
- You might not have a leadership role in your sights now, but this could change once you start to build your career. You’ll need to upskill to improve your progression opportunities. Quality courses in leadership training are expensive, and you may have to foot the bill yourself. Participating in leadership skill development while you’re still at university can save you money and time later on.
- Working for yourself or as a partner in a start-up will still require leadership skills. You’ll need to negotiate and collaborate with others, so ability in areas such as goal setting, public speaking, or conflict management, will be invaluable.
- Not all leadership opportunities are initiated by you asking for, or applying for, a promotion. Sometimes a change in someone else’s circumstances means a role needs filling quickly, even if just for a few weeks or months. Having leadership training on your résumé can improve your chances of being asked to step up, giving you an opening to demonstrate your capabilities in a higher role.
- When you understand sound leadership skills and behaviours, this knowledge will help you identify the best leaders in your environment, whether it’s a volunteering group or a multinational company. You can either develop a career plan to join their team or, if you work outside their area, why not ask them to mentor you?
- Leadership skills are useful outside the workplace. If you want to become a volunteer or run a social group of any kind, skills in public speaking, understanding culture, self-awareness or teamwork will help you communicate and build relationships with others.
Curtin Careers, Employment and Leadership runs Curtin Leaders Program each semester – check out the schedule!
