Unlock your leadership potential
iLEAD
iLEAD is leadership program that has inspired students to unlock their leadership potential since 2009.
iLEAD helps you become a well-rounded leader by developing key leadership skills and giving you opportunities to put them into practice. Through iLEAD, you will learn from inspiring leaders, connect with your peers, and build your network.
What is iLEAD? 1min 15secs
About the program
The iLEAD program helps you become a strong leader by teaching you leadership ideas and helping you develop your own unique strengths. Through the program you will also be given opportunities to use your leadership skills, and connect with experienced leaders and other students.
iLEAD can be completed in one academic year, with two intakes available each year.
Over the year, you will engage with six events and activities requiring a total commitment of approximately 10 hours towards your leadership development.
iLEAD events and activities are aligned to semesters one and two each year. However, students studying in trimesters are still welcome to join.
The iLEAD Program Officer is available to support you throughout the program. You will receive newsletters every 2-3 months that provide an overview of key leadership concepts as well as information about other relevant events and activities both on and off-campus that may be of interest to you. By engaging with these optional additional events, you can further explore leadership concepts and demonstrate the skills that have been learnt within the iLEAD program.
Once you have been accepted to the program, you will gain access to your personalised iLEAD dashboard through the CareerHub platform. You will be able to track your progress in the program, view key dates, book into events, and complete any required activities.
iLEAD is open to all students from all disciplines and backgrounds.
Upon completion of the iLEAD program you will:
- Have developed essential leadership skills in demand by employers and grown your network by forging connections with inspiring current and future leaders
- Receive a certificate of completion allowing you to showcase your leadership development to your peers, industry and the community
- Have your achievement recognised on your Australian Higher Education Graduation Statement (AHEGS), provided to you when you graduate from your studies
- Be invited to participate in the iLEAD Honours program, which will connect with an industry or alumni mentor
Once you complete iLEAD, you may be eligible to continue your leadership journey through the iLEAD Honours program.
iLEAD Honours allows you to connect with alumni and industry mentors, and explore professional networking opportunities. The program involves the following commitments:
- 4 x 1 hour mentoring sessions
- Attendance at a 2-hour leadership development workshop
- Attendance at a Speed Networking event
2024 Key Dates
- April to September: The mentoring component of the program will run during this period.
- Tuesday 9 April: A leadership development workshop will be held for both mentors and mentees at the Newcastle City campus.
- Wednesday 25 September: A Speed Networking event will be held for both mentors and mentees at the Callaghan campus.
You will also receive invitations to key events within the iLEAD program, noting that attendance is optional, as well as invitations to external networking events.
Upon completion of iLEAD Honours, you will receive the following recognition of your leadership development:
- A certification of completion
- Recognition on your Australian Higher Education Graduation Statement (AHEGS), provided to you when you graduate from your studies
- A personal reference from the iLEAD Program Officer (upon request)
Key dates
There are two intake periods for iLEAD in 2024. You must be registered and active in the program by one of the dates below. If you complete the expression of interest form outside of the advertised intake periods you will not be admitted to the program until the next available intake.
| Intake 1 | Thursday 28 March 2024 (Week 5, Semester 1 / Week 9, Trimester 1) |
|---|---|
| Intake 2 | Thursday 22 August 2024 (Week 5, Semester 2 / Trimester Break) |
The time commitment to complete iLEAD is 10 hours across one academic year. The key events for the program are listed below. If you are unable to attend any of these events, an online supplementary activity will be provided to you.
| Event | About | Date/s |
|---|---|---|
| Leadership Stories (Guest Speaker event) | Be inspired by a guest speaker in this leadership talk. | Tuesday 12 March 2024 |
| Leadership101 Workshop | Discover the foundations of leadership and how to apply leadership skills in real-world situations. | Tuesday 26 March 2024 |
| Professional Development Training | Undertake one of three professional development training courses to increase your knowledge and skill sets. | Monday 6 May 2024 (ALLY Training) Wednesday 8 May 2024 (Cultural Competency Training) Friday 10 May 2024 (Disability Confidence Training) |
| Industry Challenge | Practice your leadership skills with the support of industry leaders. | Tuesday 6 August 2024 |
| Student vs. Staff Debate | Attend a light-hearted debate with students and staff going head to head about a current topic. | Thursday 5 September 2024 |
| Speed Networking | Meet new people, expand your contacts, and learn from others in a fast-paced and fun environment. | Wednesday 25 September 2024 |
In addition to the above, iLEAD participants will be invited to an optional Public Speaking Workshop on Wednesday 14 August 2024. Public speaking is a significant form of communication and one that many people find daunting. The workshop aims to provide a safe and supportive environment for you to build the core skills required to speak publicly.
Frequently asked questions
Find the answers to your most frequently asked questions about the iLEAD program.
Yes! Although the iLEAD program is primarily based at the Callaghan and Newcastle City campuses, for events where a high number of students from other campuses have registered, we will book venues at those campuses and ensure the event is livestreamed. If you attend the events in-person, free refreshments will be provided. You'll also be able to engage in networking opportunities facilitated by the Careers Service.
No. You can choose to attend the in-person events the following year. Students who are approaching graduation or attempting to progress into iLEAD Honours for their final year of study are welcome to complete online supplementary activities that are accessible via the iLEAD dashboard.
Students who did not engaged with the iLEAD program in 2023 will be removed from the iLEAD program. Should you wish to start your leadership development in 2024, submit the expression of interest form.
If you were active in the iLEAD program in 2022, you will be emailed an expression of interest form to participate in the 2024 program. If you engage with the new program and meet the minimum requirements, you will be marked as complete.
Yes! If you join the program but are unable to attend an advertised event/activity, a supplementary online activity will be emailed to you after the advertised event/activity has been held. To progress through the program, you must attend the relevant event/activity OR complete the supplementary activity.
The iLEAD Alumni community is made up of students or graduates of the University of Newcastle who have completed the iLEAD program. You can still be a current student and be part of the iLEAD Alumni community.
iLEAD Alumni are eligible to receive invitations to participate in iLEAD events and activities, including networking and celebration events.
If you completed iLEAD prior to 2022 and would like to be added to the iLEAD Alumni database please email iLEAD@newcastle.edu.au with your certificate of completion (or other relevant evidence).
iLEAD Honours allows you to extend your leadership development through professional networking opportunities, mentoring and opportunities to engage with further professional development.
Students who have completed the iLEAD program are eligible for the iLEAD Honours program. Students must be enrolled to study whilst undertaking the iLEAD Honours program.
Eligible students will be sent an invitation to participate in November each year.
When you submit the expression of interest form to join iLEAD Honours you will be given the option to select your mentor preferences which will assist us with our mentor recruitment.
If you already have a mentor, you can provide us with their details, and we will contact them via email and provide them with information regarding the iLEAD Honours program. Once they have confirmed their participation, you will be matched to them and your mentoring sessions with them can be recorded.
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