The Career Leadership Academy prepares aspiring Iowa undergraduate student leaders to excel in their future endeavors beyond the University setting and to live and lead with integrity.

Through meaningful and intentional academic and experiential coursework, students learn and develop leadership skills and professionalism in a collaborative and inclusive environment. The Career Leadership Academy challenges its students to connect with leaders in order to live a purposeful life and create positive change on a local, national, and global level.

CLA Courses

Career Leadership Academy Part 1: Leadership in Practice

MyUI Course Name: LS:2002

Fulfills requirements for the Enterprise Leadership major, the Bachelor of Liberal Studies program and the Certificate in Leadership Studies.

The purpose of this course is to increase students’ understanding of themselves and others. By pairing leadership theory with career preparation, students will develop leadership competencies and an understanding of group development. Interaction with employers and community professionals is woven into the curriculum, including a panel discussion and professional feedback on presentation skills. Other topics include CliftonStrengths, the Relational Leadership Model, and ethics in leadership. Students will develop a resume, complete an informational interview, and prepare a group presentation. 

Career Leadership Academy Part 2: Leadership in Action

MyUI Course Name:  LS:3002

Fulfills requirements for the Certificate in Leadership Studies, the Enterprise Leadership Major, and the Tippie College of Business’s Research, Internship, Study Abroad and Experiential Learning graduation requirement.

The purpose of this course is to increase students’ understanding of how to interact and work with others as effective team members and engaged citizens. CLA Part 2 builds on CLA Part 1 by applying knowledge of leadership theory to a job search process. Students engage in a service project as an opportunity to learn about social change while developing leadership competencies through hands-on group work. Highlighted topics include the Social Change Model, interviewing and networking.

Get Involved

Opportunities for Employers, Faculty/Staff & Alumni

"The Career Leadership Academy does a great job of preparing students for the real world."

Sue Daughtery, Manager of People Development, Finance Department, Rockwell Collins

Employer Panels
Visit CLA Part 1 classes to share your insight on what employers and graduate schools are seeking in new college graduates. There are 8-10 employer panels each semester in October and February and one employer panel every summer. For those not local to Iowa City, there is an opportunity to connect virtually via web conferencing software.

Kaleidoscope Leadership Workshop
Present a 40-minute session on diverse topics in leadership. This event is required for all CLA Part 1 and Part 2 students and occurs twice a year in October and March.

Presentation Evaluator
Visit CLA Part 1 classes to evaluate and provide feedback on group presentations. There are 16-20 presentation sessions each semester in November and April and once every summer. For those not local to Iowa City, there is an opportunity to connect virtually via web conferencing software.  

Learn more about involvement opportunities by emailing Lisa McKirgan at lisa-mckirgan@uiowa.edu or Joanna Halsch at joanna-halsch@uiowa.edu.

Opportunities for CLA Students

CLA Class Representatives
As the voice of their classmates, the Class Representative solicits feedback, communicates announcements, contributes to our social media presence, and raises awareness of CLA through tabling, event volunteering and other marketing efforts. Class Representatives are recruited in the first or second week of each semester.

CLA Interns
Our interns serves an integral role on our CLA staff team, focusing on marketing, social media, and event management. Recruitment for interns, when needed, occurs in the spring semester on Handshake.

Certificate in Leadership Studies
Take your leadership knowledge to the next level with a certificate.

Have Questions?

Susie Regan

Susie Regan

Associate Director, Career Learning
susie-regan@uiowa.edu
Meet Susie Regan, Associate Director, Career Learning at the University of Iowa’s Pomerantz Career Center.

Student Spotlight

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Alumni Spotlight

Photo of Jordan Allen

Alumni Spotlight: Jordan Allen

Alumni Spotlight: Jordan Allen is a Senior Customer Success Manager at Workiva, using skills gained through Iowa’s Certificate in Leadership Studies.
Alec

Alumni Spotlight: Alec Whitters

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Alumni Spotlight: Alec Whitters cofounded Higher Learning Technologies, creating a leading mobile learning platform used by millions worldwide.
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Alumni Spotlight: Alex Fischman

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Alumni Spotlight: Alex Fischman works as a Software Development Engineer at Microsoft in the Seattle area, building innovative technology solutions.
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Alumni Spotlight: Ayat Mujais

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Alumni Spotlight: Ayat Mujais works in international law in Washington, D.C., building a career in global legal policy while pursuing advanced degrees at American University.
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Alumni Spotlight: Erin Larsen

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Alumni Spotlight: Erin Larsen is a Certified Child Life Specialist in Las Vegas, building on her Iowa Child Life training and leadership with Dance Marathon.
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Alumni Spotlight: Jarod Kerr

Career Leadership Academy
Alumni Spotlight: Jarod Kerr is a Merchandise Planning Analyst at Target in Minneapolis, applying his Iowa finance and entrepreneurial training to retail strategy.
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Alumni Spotlight: Jenny Vetokhin

Career Leadership Academy
Alumni Spotlight: Jenny Vetokhin works as Content & Advertising Manager for Profile Magazine in Chicago, using her Iowa experience to drive editorial success.
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Alumni Spotlight: Josh Krakauer

Career Leadership Academy
Alumni Spotlight: Josh Krakauer founded Sculpt after graduating from Iowa, building a creative agency that helps brands connect through marketing and social media.
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Alumni Spotlight: Kyle Noser

Career Leadership Academy
Alumni Spotlight: Kyle Noser advanced his career through Rockwell Collins’ Operations Rotational Program, working in engineering roles across multiple states.
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Alumni Spotlight: Zach Gruenhagen

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Alumni Spotlight: Zach Gruenhagen applies his Iowa economics and sustainability training to environmental work, research, and community impact locally and abroad.