Texas Tech University
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Career & Leadership AcademyStudent Resources

The Career & Leadership Academy is a multi-year program designed to establish and support principles of individualized leadership for students to utilize when pursuing career choices. Learn more about the Academy’s mission, what you can expect, and hear from the voices of your fellow students about its impact. 

Our Mission for You

The Career & Leadership Academy was established in 2024 to provide the College of Arts & Sciences an exclusive leadership program designed to elevate students’ best qualities into transferrable skills. This extracurricular program integrates seamlessly into the four-year bachelor’s degree as a powerful supplement to continued education.

While research continues to support the value of a college degree, many employers are experiencing a surge in unprepared employees. Major concerns of recent hires are that they are unprofessional and lack basic skills required to exist in the workplace. Recognizing these concerns, the Career & Leadership Academy focuses on building confidence to structure principled leadership that results in positive, actionable investment in student’s futures.

Each year is designed to build students’ mastery over important competencies inspired by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) “Career Readiness” portfolio: 

Academy By Year

Year 1: Connection
Academy students kick off their journey with a warm welcome to campus and an introduction to their Career & Leadership Academy cohort. In this first year, students focus on discovering their unique strengths, developing a professional mindset, and building essential life skills. 
Year 2: Community

In their second year, Academy students begin connecting what they’re learning to the world around them. Through hands-on community service projects in the Lubbock area, students grow as leaders while developing real-world skills like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. These experiences build empathy and a deeper sense of responsibility and awareness. 

Year 3: Collaboration

In their third year, Academy students enter a yearlong seminar on leadership alongside their cohort. They are introduced to literature exploring a variety of leadership styles, encouraging thoughtful reflection and dialogue. This multi-pedagogical approach helps students develop a leadership framework that aligns with their unique strengths and personality. 

Year 4: Challenge

In their final year, Academy students put everything they’ve learned into action by completing a professional portfolio and preparing to enter the workforce with confidence. Students take on a greater role within the Academy itself— participating in the interview process for incoming members and serving as mentors to first-year students 

Throughout their time, students will also build a personal development plan that allows them to identify career goals and participate in goal setting within an accountable and supportive environment. Whether the student wants to pursue a graduate program or jump right into the career field – our Academy will get them there. 

Apply to the Academy