Exploring the Magic Of Leadership

Exploring the Magic of Leadership and Volunteering during your Mohawk years, and Beyond!

As we embark on our college journey and beyond, we have the incredible opportunity to discover our hidden powers. College is not just about attending classes and studying; it’s a dynamic phase where we grow, discover ourselves, and shape our futures. How can we make the most of this thrilling adventure? How can we maximize this learning after we graduate? The answer lies in the magical tools of leadership and volunteering. Together, it produces the chance to rise above the ordinary and create an extraordinary college, as well as life experience.

To enhance your leadership skills, reflect on the following questions:

What is my purpose? Your purpose can help guide and illuminate your path, empower your decision-making, and fuel your passions.
What is my vision? Vision is the vivid painting of your future; having a vision is the key to fulfilling your life’s purpose.
What are my values? What are the values that resonate deeply within you?
Am I demonstrating Emotional Intelligence (EI)? This skill set encompasses self-awareness, emotional regulation, and empathetic interpersonal connections. Demonstrating emotional intelligence allows us to grow and enables us to communicate effectively, and build stronger relationships.
Do I have a growth mindset? Believing in your ability to shift, learn and grow is as important as the learning itself. Having a growth mindset supports you to remain optimistic.

How to work on your skills during your Mohawk College years and beyond

Career Services: Career advisors can provide resources on leadership development and volunteer opportunities. Book your appointment now!
Campus Employment: Student employment on campus presents invaluable opportunities to nurture leadership skills. Look for experiences that align with your interests, such as through (MSA) Mohawk Student Association, Learning Support Centre Student Leader Position, (CSEP) Campus Student Employment Program, or other campus employment opportunities such as Chartwells Food Services.
Campus leadership Programs: Mohawk has specific leadership programs designed to enhance your leadership abilities. Keep an eye out for leadership workshops, seminars, and symposiums taking place on or off campus. These events provide significant insights and connections for your personal and professional growth. Some examples of these events are MoCrew Leadership Camp and the STEM Leadership Symposium.
Volunteering: Embrace the volunteer opportunities available both on and off campus to cultivate skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, all while making meaningful contributions to your community. Volunteering helps you develop soft skills while providing valuable experiences and networking prospects. For instance, consider exploring Student Life's volunteer and leadership opportunities, Language and Culture Centre, WITT Women in Technology & Trades, or other campus areas such as Social Inc. and Indigenous Student Services. You can also check out the Volunteering in Hamilton website.
Online Platforms: Explore online platforms dedicated to leadership development and other soft skills such as LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, Udemy, webinars, or podcasts. These platforms often provide certificates upon completion, which may enhance your resume.
Books and Publications: Numerous books and publications can provide valuable insights and strategies for personal and professional growth. Visit Mohawk Library or your local public library. Some popular books are “Leaders Eat Last” by Simon Sinek, and “Emotional Intelligence” by Daniel Goleman.

Remember, soft skills are considered necessary to advance in any career field. By developing our leadership skills and actively engaging in volunteer work, we not only boost our experiences and resumes but also unlock our full potential to become the best version of ourselves. The moment has arrived for us to undergo a leadership transformation, and unleash our potential – best of luck!

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