The LEADERs Program
Partnerships in Research and PhD Education
The LEADERs Program is a new experiential learning initiative that integrates leadership and professional-skills education with a research project at an organization in industry or the public sector. The program—Leadership Education Advancing Discovery through Embedded Research—enriches students’ own research as they address the real-world needs of enterprises in fields from STEM to the social sciences and humanities.
How does LEADERs work?
> LEADERs was developed by Northeastern’s PhD Network and its Gordon Institute of Engineering Leadership, recognized nationally for preparing graduates to lead projects and people. Designed for PhD students who have completed at least one year of study, LEADERs confers professional skills essential for careers in and beyond academia. Self-nominated applicants must also receive a confirming nomination by their faculty advisor. Selected students will pursue an Experiential PhD Leadership certificate.
> Classes taught by faculty and distinguished leaders in an array of fields explore organizational systems, communications, project management, teamwork, follower- ship, and leadership. In the program’s second half, students put theory into practice through a project aligned with their interests and designed jointly by an industry partner and faculty advisor.
> Students, or LEADERs Fellows, are matched with an organization for up to 20 hours a week for eight months. Upon completing their project, they defend the results to a committee.
How do PhD students benefit?
> Students explore principles of leadership and teamwork together, then put their knowledge into practice. They receive guidance from a mentoring system that includes a representative from the partner organization, and leadership programming.
> As they build their skills and portfolio, all students have opportunities to expand their professional network and explore diverse career paths.
What do institutional partners gain?
> Partners and customized solutions from a superbly talented and dedicated PhD student. They gain access to faculty experts and the resources of a global research university. Further, they establish a pipeline for engaging and recruiting graduates who are the right fit for their organization.
> Partnerships with Northeastern are aligned with business, technological, and societal imperatives—and designed to transform our world. IP arrangements are flexible and designed to work for all parties.