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Leadership Program

The Leadership Learning Institute (LLI) is now a course! GR 620: Developing Leadership Skills will be held on Thursdays from 3 to 5 p.m. during the 2027 spring semester. Classes will be at a location on Main Campus. Registration is through MyPackPortal, and the class size is limited to 30.

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 GR 620: Developing Leadership Skills [formerly the “Leadership Learning Institute (LLI)]. GR 620 will focus on self-awareness, communication, conflict management, teamwork, values, influence and purpose. Classes will involve case studies and interactive discussions. Self-assessments will be administered (such as the DISC and the Emotional Quotient Inventory). To offset the costs of these assessments, students will need to pay a $50 course fee and will receive more information about where to pay this fee once they are registered.

Graduate students participating in the Leadership Learning Institute (LLI) talk about the benefits of the program.

“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

GR 620: Developing Leadership Skills

This course is offered through the Graduate School and provides foundational knowledge that leads to the development of the skills needed within future leaders. Successfully completing this course, which counts for two credits, reflects the acquisition of effective and sound leadership proficiencies. Insights and tools gained from GR 620 will help graduate students be more marketable and competitive for positions in their chosen career fields. Those who successfully complete all of the requirements will have this course noted on their transcript and can refer to it as a for-credit leadership class on their CV or resume.

Leadership Learning Institute

GR 620 Requirements

Self-Assessments

Self-assessments will include the DISC, the Emotional Quotient Inventory, the Communications Styles Quiz, and the Conflict Management Styles inventory. The overall costs for the assessments are $200 per student, and the Graduate School will cover 75% of these costs. Students will need to pay a $50 course fee to cover the remaining 25% of the costs.

Experiences & deliverables (required)

  • Accountability Partners: Each cohort member paired with another cohort member to discuss, on a weekly basis, in between sessions to process and reflect on topics and applications.
  • Career Coaching Session and LinkedIn profile: At least one session scheduled with facilitator of the LLI program and LinkedIn profile created or updated with input from LLI program facilitator.
  • Assessments: Participants complete DISC, EQi and other assessments as required.
  • Leadership Experience: Formal or informal leadership experience chosen by participant; completed within one semester of taking LLI workshops.
  • Reflection Paper- Submitted after the leadership experience; questions provided by LLI facilitator.