Leadership Development

Developing leadership skills and giving back to the community are essential components to the educational experience, and these experiences can lead to greater personal enrichment and academic success.

Faculty Request for a Classroom Presentation

Leadership Development supplements the University mission by providing programs, services and mentorship opportunities that assist and enhance personal growth, decision-making, civic responsibility, and leadership advancement and training.

Leadership Development is comprised of:

  • Emerging Leadership Program (ELP)
  • The Leadership Development Program (LDP)
  • Professional Development Leadership Program
  • Leadership Workshops and Conferences
  • The National Society of Leadership and Success
  • Omicron Delta Kappa Honor Society
  • Don’t Cancel That Class (DCTC)    

Contact Us

Queens Campus
Chiang Ching-Kuo (CCK) Hall, Room 119
Monday to Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
718-990-2103
leadership@stjohns.edu

Emerging Leadership Program

The Emerging Leadership Program gives first and second-year undergraduate students at St. John’s University the opportunity to learn about campus life and begin developing their leadership skills.  Students will participate in 5 weekly events, and upon completion, will gain exclusive access to joining the St. John's Leadership Development Program (LDP).  Students who participate in LDP will gain a practical and experiential leadership experience. Contact program administrator to register for the Cohort.

Career Services Overview

  • Understand the importance of University Career Services and its services
  • Learn how to use the “Handshake” portal and the Career Services website.
  • Recognize the importance of leadership skills on your resume and LinkedIn profile

LinkedIn & Branding

  • Learn about how to effectively use Handshake and LinkedIn in your job search to make connections, get recommendations, and network with industry or interest-specific groups.
  • Discover what it takes to make your profile stand-out and get noticed. 

Campus Involvement & Employment

  • Learn about Campus Life and ways to get involved through student organizations and departmental leadership roles.
  • Discover opportunities for on-campus employment.

Leadership, Goal Setting, and Career Exploration 

  • Learn the fundamentals of leadership and define your leadership goals.
  • Explore various career pathways and how they "fit" with your career interests. 

Resume Boosters & Pathway to the Leadership Development Program  

  • Brainstorm your experiences and learn how to craft your resume.
  • Overview of the Leadership Development Program (LDP).

Career Advisement Session  

  • This personalized advisement session with your Career Advisor will give you an opportunity to create/update your resume, help you learn how to gain exposure to a specific industry, provide you with the tools to tackle the challenge of finding your ideal job/internship, and/or explore career options. Log into HANDSHAKE to schedule the 1-on-1 meeting with your Career Advisor.

Focus2 Assessment  

  • Complete the assessment to help you select a major, explore occupations, make informed career decisions and take action in your career development.

If you are interested in joining the Emerging Leadership Program (ELP), please email leadership@stjohns.edu

Leadership Development Program (LDP)

The Leadership Development Program (LDP) is designed to help undergraduate students advance their leadership skills. Students will gain an understanding of the fundamentals of leadership, put what they have learned into action, and receive written recognition from Career Services upon program completion. Contact program administrator to register and schedule an orientation session.

Registration/Orientation

  • Meet other students also joining the program, define your leadership goals, and complete an assessment to discover your strengths.
  • Must complete one Orientation to officially register for the program.

Mentoring

  • Participate in one mentor experience offered by the University.
  • Register for a mentor program within the first year of participation in LDP.

VideoCasts

  • Complete five video casts offered in-person and online.  Students will learn the fundamentals of Leadership through group discussion and activities after the videos.
  • Complete a minimum of one videocast per semester.

Experiential Learning

  • Complete three experiences plus reflection paper describing how these experiences helped you grow as a leader.  Experiences may include campus-run programs, employer off-site visits, conferences, and/or other professional development activities.  Experiential learning may include one day or multiple day programs.
  • Complete a minimum of one experiential learning per year.

Practical Application

  • Complete one practical application plus a reflection paper describing leadership competencies gained.  During practical application, students should implement what they are learning throughout the program, putting into practice effective leadership strategies.  Practical application may include internships, case competitions, volunteer experience, and more; and is intended to be semester-long or a minimum of 20 hours.
  • Complete a practical application within two years of participation in LDP.

Program Completion

  • Submit a reflection paper of your experience with the program.  Upon completion, students will receive UCS official endorsement; choose between LinkedIn recommendation and written recommendation (for graduate school, employment, other professional programs).

Please note this program utilizes “Canvas” to collect assignments and track the completion of program requirements while recording overall student status throughout participation in the LDP.

If you are interested in joining the Leadership Development Program (LDP), please email leadership@stjohns.edu

Professional Development Leadership Program

The Professional Development Leadership Program offers undergraduate students in their third or fourth year a foundation for success in their personal and professional life as they prepare for graduation and beyond. 

Resume & Cover Letter

  • Understand how to write and perfect your resume to best attract employers for a successful job search.
  • Learn how to enhance bullet points and utilize AI in creating your resume. 

Interview Skills

  • Learn for to prepare for an interview, whether it is in-person, virtual, or informational; address challenging interview questions; and hone your skills with the "Big Interview" software. 

LinkedIn & Branding

  • Learn about how to effectively use Handshake and LinkedIn in your job search to make connections, get recommendations, and network with industry or interest-specific groups.
  • Discover what it takes to make your profile stand-out and get noticed. 

Strengths Assessment

  • Complete the assessment and learn about your Top strengths. 

Big Interview Assignment

  • Complete the “Big Interview” assignment that will put what you have learned into practice by interviewing in a virtual setting.

Career Advisement Session/Career Planning Session

  • This personalized advisement session with your Career Advisor will give you an opportunity to review and update your resume, learn how to gain exposure to a specific industry, and provide you with the tools to tackle for career planning, and help you tackle the challenge of finding your ideal job/graduate school.

If you are interested in joining the Professional Development Leadership Program, please email leadership@stjohns.edu

The National Society of Leadership and Success

What is NSLS? The National Society of Leadership & Success (NSLS) is the largest and only accredited leadership honor society in the United States. Our local NSLS chapter at St. John’s University, advised by University Career Services, was established in Fall 2012 and is part of this national organization with more than 800 chapters and over 2 million existing members.

The NSLS leadership program teaches interpersonal skills that give you an advantage in a competitive job market.  Hear directly from current members as they share how their experience has changed their life. If you become a member, you can also:

 

Learn from top global leaders like former US Presidents, CEOs, celebrities, and more with exclusive Speaker Broadcasts.

  • Meet new friends and make lifelong connections (on-campus and virtually).
  • Overcome challenges with success coaches, shortcutting your way to your goals.
  • Gain access to exclusive private networking events.

Chapter members will have access to:

  • Over $400,000 in annual scholarship opportunities (visit nsls.org/scholarships-and-awards to learn more)
  • An exclusive NSLS job bank
  • A personalized letter of recommendation

Description: Students are selected based on exemplary academic achievement and leadership potential and will receive a formal invitation in their sophomore year. After Registration, students must complete a 5-step program to be a fully inducted member. These steps include:

  • Orientation
  • Leadership Training Day
  • 3 Speaker Broadcasts
  • 3 Success Networking Team meetings
  • Attend the Induction ceremony

Frequently Asked Questions: Some of the common questions we receive are listed below. If you have any other questions, visit www.nsls.org to chat with a team member or email help@nsls.org. You can also reach out to our campus Society Advisor.

 

What do I have to do to become inducted?

  • The Steps to Induction take approximately 9-10 hours over the course of the semester and you can complete it at your own pace. The 5-Step Program details are listed above.  To learn more, visitwww.nsls.org/the-membership-experience.

Is the Society a legitimate, recognized organization on campus?

  • Yes – The NSLS is officially recognized at St. John’s University through the area of Leadership Development within University Career Services.

How to get more information and join: Eligible sophomores will be emailed by the Chapter Advisor and mailed a formal invitation to join. Interested students in their third or fourth year with at least a 3.3 GPA can submit a nomination application at https://members.nsls.org/nomination/application. You can also email NSLS@stjohns.edu.

 

Chapter Advisor: Natalie Storelli

To learn more about the organization and benefits of joining, visit www.nsls.org

 

Stay Connected

Visit our Social Media sites to get current information on local SJU chapter news and events!

Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Honor Society

Omicron Delta Kappa Society (ΟΔΚ) is the national leadership honor society for college students, faculty, staff, administrators, and alumni that recognizes and encourages superior scholarship, leadership, and exemplary character. Membership in ΟΔΚ is a mark of the highest distinction and honor.

Student membership candidates must be juniors, seniors, or graduate students who rank in the upper 35% in scholarship of their school or college (minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA) and must demonstrate leadership in one of the Five Pillars of Campus Life and embrace the OΔK Leadership Values.

ODK Application - Fall 2025 (Coming Soon)

Five Pillars of Campus Life

  • Academics and Research
  • Athletics
  • Service to Campus and Community
  • Communications
  • Creative and Performing Arts

Leadership Values 

  • Collaboration – to work together to achieve a defined and common purpose
  • Inclusivity – to actively seek, embrace, and advance a diverse group of individuals
  • Integrity – to align one’s values and beliefs with behaviors and speech
  • Scholarship – to strive for excellence in academics and pursue lifelong learning
  • Service – to answer the call for action from one’s community or country

The purpose of ΟΔΚ is three-fold:

  1. Recognize those who have exhibited a high standard of leadership and efficiency in collegiate activities
  2. Bring together student leaders from all sectors of collegiate life in order to help mold the sentiment of the university for questions of local and collegiate interest.
  3. Bring together members of the faculty and the student body on a basis of mutual interest and understanding

Upon selection, initiation is performed at a special ceremony. The $88 initiation fee is required of each member. Your membership fee includes lifetime membership in ΟΔΚ, your membership certificate, a recognition button, and a three-year subscription to The Circle, the official ΟΔΚ publication.

Contact Jocelyn Coalter coalterj@stjohns.edu or 718-390-4439 for application guidelines and deadlines. Please read the detailed instructions in the document you receive before completing the Online Application to ensure you submit it properly.

ODK Membership Benefits

Don’t Cancel That Class (DCTC)

If you are interested in the “Don’t Cancel That Class” Program, please review the below workshop offerings and choose a workshop that would best suit the needs of your students.

Please be advised that all requests must be submitted at least 1-week inadvance.Upon receipt of the request (subject to availability), a Student Affairs Administrator and/or a trained Peer Educator will be scheduled for your class.

To request a Don’t Cancel That Class program on the Queens or Staten Island campuses, please complete the Faculty Request for a Classroom Presentation form.

Leadership Development

Overview of Leadership Development Programs & Opportunities
This workshop provides an overview of the various programs and leadership opportunities offered and how students can join.  These Programs include: Emerging Leadership Program (ELP), the Leadership Development Program (LDP), Professional Development Leadership Program, the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) and Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Honor Society.

Career Services

Career Services Overview
This workshop provides an overview of all Career Services offerings and how to use the online “Handshake” platform.

Resume Perfection
Learn how to write and perfect your resume to best attract employers during your job search.

Personal Branding: How to Tell Your Story and State Your Value
Learn about how to effectively use LinkedIn, Handshake, and other Social Media applications in your job search to make connections, get recommendations, and network with industry or interest-specific groups.  

Strategies for Finding an Internship or Job
Learn the value of obtaining an internship in your field of study, how to find an internship, and how to get the most out of the experience.

Center for Student Success (sessions geared to 1st & 2nd year students)

Time Management/Study Skills
College life can be hectic and overwhelming. This workshop will help students understand how they work, study best, and find the resources to manage their schedules now and long after college!

Motivation Magic
Staying motivated can be a challenge at times, but with the right strategies and mindset, students can boost their motivation and stay on track!

Improving College Reading
The transition between high school and college often involves a shift in expectations of student's reading ability! This transition can be difficult, but it is an essential part of developing the skills necessary for higher education and beyond. This workshop can help students develop effective reading strategies and critical thinking abilities, which will contribute to success in college. 

Contact Information

Natalie Storelli
Director of Career & Leadership Development
718-990-2103
storelln@stjohns.edu