Leadership Program

Our communities and greater society need effective leaders who are self-aware, ethical and skilled. Taking time to develop one’s leadership skills during graduate school or a postdoctoral experience will provide a significant return on investment for one’s future career. The Graduate School at North Carolina State University provides graduate students and postdoctoral scholars a way to grow and enhance their leadership skills through the “Leadership Learning Institute (LLI)” program. LLI consists of four short courses that focus on self-awareness, communication, influence and purpose. Each short course consists of three, 2-hour sessions (12 sessions total). Graduate students and postdoctoral scholars who wish to participate in LLI need to submit an application and obtain the support of their faculty advisor or PI. See information below the video for more details.
You will first need to be accepted to the Leadership Learning Institute before you can pursue the Leadership Certificate.

Leadership Learning Institute

The Graduate School’s Leadership Learning Institute (LLI) will guide participants through the creation of foundational knowledge and self-awareness that lead to the development of the skills needed within the future leaders. Over the course of twelve sessions, LLI will both deliver and require self-assessments, seminars, reflections and experiences that result in the participants acquiring sound, compelling and effective leadership proficiencies. These insights will help the LLI participants be more marketable and competitive for positions in their chosen career fields. Those who successfully complete all of the requirements associated with the LLI will receive a non-credit Leadership Certificate that will be noted on their transcript; they can also indicate on their CV or resume that they have completed this intensive leadership course.

“LLI was an unexpected gift – a source of support, inspiration, and deep connection…each session offered space for honest reflection and lasting growth. I gained not only insight into leadership, but also into myself. I’m leaving with greater self-awareness, a close friend I met as an accountability partner, and the confidence to keep moving toward the best version of myself.”

D. Bolgava

Ph.D. student, Nuclear Engineering

The 2025 Summer LLI sessions will be held online via Zoom during the months of May and June from 9 to 11 a.m. This cohort-based program will meet virtually (participants will need to meet with their webcams on) and is limited to 30 participants. The application portal is now closed. LLI will be offered again during the 2026 spring semester. Information about that cohort and the application process will be posted after the 2025 Fall break.

Leadership Certificate

The Leadership Certificate offered through the Graduate School provides foundational knowledge that leads to the development of the skills needed within future leaders. Earning this certificate reflects the acquisition of effective and sound leadership proficiencies.

Leadership Certificate Requirements