Program Overview
Introduction to the Global Leadership Programme
The Global Leadership Programme (GLP) is a non-credit bearing, year-long, co-curricular programme offered by the UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School. The programme is open to all full-time and part-time students enrolled on the Master of Science and Master of Accounting programmes.
Programme Overview
The GLP aims to develop impactful business leaders with a global mindset. The programme is designed to achieve five learning outcomes:
- Create a leadership development plan based on self-reflection and evaluation of current strengths, development needs, career aspirations, and personal interests.
- Identify and evaluate co-curricular activities that will address their leadership development needs.
- Actively commit to, and engage in, appropriate co-curricular leadership development activities.
- Engage in regular self-reflection through the submission of reports.
- Demonstrate a personal commitment to lifelong learning.
Programme Structure
The GLP is built on a foundation of three pillars: student leadership, workplace skills, and career planning. The programme provides students with advice and support as they make choices around which co-curricular activities will best fit their own developmental needs and career aspirations. Each pillar offers students a menu of activities they can choose from, helping them personalize their own path through the programme.
The 4-Step Approach
The programme follows a 4-step approach:
- Self-Assess and Reflect: students self-assess and reflect on their interests, skills, and values.
- Plan: students identify activities to engage in under each of the three pillars.
- Do: students engage in activities that address their development needs and career aspirations.
- Review: students evidence the activities and reflect on their leadership development.
Formal Deliverables
Students are required to submit:
- An Autumn Progress Report in January
- A Spring Progress Report in April
- A Final Report in June
Advisory Meetings
Each trimester, students are invited to attend small group advisory meetings with the programme lead and peers, as well as individual advisory meetings where support, advice, and guidance are provided.
Alumni Buddy and Mentoring Initiatives
Students are connected to a former GLP student (a 'buddy') for the purposes of having a conversation about the co-curricular activities they engaged in. A formal mentoring programme is also in place, whereby students are matched with an experienced business alumni mentor.
Programme-Led Activities
The programme team organizes workshops (e.g., leadership, executive presence, design thinking, using LinkedIn) and facilitates intergenerational learning projects where GLP students collaborate with undergraduate business students.
Student-Led Activities
GLP students chair focus groups to gather mid-programme feedback, lead and participate in programme committees, and organize events open to all students.
Results
The programme has shown positive outcomes, with a completion rate of 58% among eligible students. Student testimonials highlight the programme's effectiveness in providing a platform for personal and professional development.
Resources and Outputs
Additional resources have been developed, including a resource that sets out advice from former students on the programme to help future students get started on their GLP journey, and a resource to support future students and alumni mentors as they embark on this programme.