10 Reasons Leadership Skills Help for College Success. by Kimberlee

10 Reasons Leadership Skills Help for College Success. by Kimberlee - March 2015 Scholarship Essay

Are leadership skills necessary for college success? Why or why not?

The answer is absolutely yes! Here are ten reasons why leadership skills will help for college success.

You'll gain confidence. Many student leaders are chosen or voted into their positions by their peers. Having your abilities recognized by others is empowering, and the work you do in a leadership role is likely to be recognized. This alone will build confidence in any skill you apply for.

You can develop communication skills. Public speaking plays a major role in many careers today. As a student leader, you'll have to speak with confidence and spirit. Diplomacy skills and persuasion tactics are applicable to almost any career.

You’ll gain responsibility. Student leaders aren't only responsible for themselves - they also have extended responsibilities that affect a wide range of their peers. Leaders of a group must not only make sure that tasks get done, but that all students of the organization are performing to the best of their abilities. If someone doesn't follow through on a task, leaders make sure that the task is completed. This responsibility can also be a lesson on how to hold others accountable.

You can develop negotiation skills. Students who work on group collaborative projects may have competing interests. Student leaders must learn to establish priorities and compromise when necessary. Success occurs when the integrity of a project is maintained and everyone involved feels valued and empowered. This form of negotiation is invaluable for helping any group meet its goals.

You'll be able to network. A student leader may communicate with people that the average student doesn't typically interact with on a daily basis. In a leadership role, one can become familiar with school administrators, leaders from other campus groups, managers in off-campus partner organizations and other high-profile figures. Building relationships with these people can yield valuable personal and professional contacts.

You'll gain management skills. A strong leader is one whose management skills become second nature. Leaders must oversee operational tasks, make budgets, prioritize workloads, build consensus and perform other executive duties as necessary. Practicing and applying these skills in college can teach you how to use your personal talents for the overall influence of your group. You most likely will make mistakes, but learning how to handle them now can better prepare you for the workforce.

You can develop better problem-solving skills. Being a student leader, they have many obligations to meet while maintaining a full course load and attending to other personal responsibilities. It will take some creative problem-solving to get everything done and keep life in balance. Leadership experiences allow you to hone multitasking abilities that future jobs and life responsibilities demand.

You'll discover new talents. While student leadership involves delegating work and holding others accountable, leaders have to complete some tasks on their own. New tasks can be challenging, but they can also awaken undiscovered talents that we may not have known we had and are useful in the future.

You’ll be recognized. The student leader often becomes the face of the group he or she represents. If a leader is involved and successful, individuals from all fields of study may recognize the leader around campus. Student leaders are often approached with rare and fascinating opportunities by other students and possibly faculty members. Leadership work may also lead to school awards, which can add another characteristic to your resume.

You’ll improve your resume. Employers recognize the responsibilities that student leaders take on, and they respect the initiative it shows to head a college organization. With leadership experience on your resume, you're more likely to get the attention of a hiring manager. A student leadership role is also a great talking point during interviews.

In closing you can see the value of leadership skills. If you put your heart, time and value into serving your peers, there may be some valuable reward in the end for your future.