Some say leaders are born. Others say they can be made. Either way, a partnership between Drexel University and Lockheed Martin is aimed at helping them traverse both the engineering and business worlds.
As engineers become less cloistered and more interdisciplinary, they need to have the skills to communicate with a diverse cross-section of industry. Part of making cool products is selling those products, so business is ultimately a key part of engineering, at least from an organizational standpoint.
Lockheed Martin is working with Drexel’s College of Engineering to facilitate leadership development among engineering students. The Lockheed Martin Engineering Leadership Program will provide guidance and opportunity for students to get training and experience in leadership during their engineering education.
According to a Drexel press release, “[the program] is structured to help students develop the attributes of leadership through practice, with the goal of bridging the gap between engineering practice and the business environment.”
The program uses a combination of self-direction and expert evaluation. All freshmen will participate in the first phase of the program as part of their regular curriculum, but only those desiring to continue will advance to the next phases. The process is intended to help identify each student’s leadership strengths and to develop professional skills.
Those who continue in the program can participate in self-directed leadership modules and benefit from expert seminars and networking opportunities. By the fourth year only 40 students, referred to as Lockheed Martin Leadership Scholars, will remain in the program. These students will pursue co-op experiences where they will gain additional leadership training and experience.
The program is unique its broad application and continual self-assessment. Although all students get some experience, only those truly interested will continue the path. There is opportunity for many students to get a well-rounded perspective, yet the program, in its entirety, remains selective and prestigious. The program is an example of industry supporting the skills they require from engineering graduates.
Image courtesy of Drexel University