Each competency has a variety of activities in three categories; Learning Activities (LA), Experiential Activities (EA), and Career Management Activities (CMA). You can complete as few as one competency or all of them if you so desire, depending on the time commitment you are willing to make. Everything about the program is voluntary and self-paced, and students at any stage in their academic career are free to jump in and start the program, even transfer students!

Why should you participate in the EXCEL+ Career Readiness plus Leadership program?

Much research has been completed on what is known as the “skills gap”, or how employers view newly graduated student worker skills to what they think new employees should know. According to a 2018 NACE career readiness report, 73% of employers thought leadership was an essential skill that entry-level college students needed, while only 33% of employers believed college graduates had minimal levels of leadership proficiency. Our program aims to address these gaps and allow students to develop missing skills and articulate college experiences in terms of career readiness and leadership.

• Articulate your college experiences to employers and graduate schools and how they apply to career readiness and leadership
• Gain valuable job experiences to enhance your resume’
• Enhance your personal leadership style and develop new skills
• Apply classroom knowledge to real-world problems and situations
• Co-curricular activities in the leadership program are considered to be experiential (based on observation or involvement), or High-Impact Practices, which have been shown to have the following benefits for students:
  • Increased GPA
  • Stronger connection with and appreciation of your overall campus experience
  • Develop stronger relationships with faculty and staff
  • Increase interactions with and understanding of people from different cultures and backgrounds
  • Development of ethical reasoning and communication skills
• Receive recognition for your efforts through badging and other rewards for higher levels of program completion
• Have fun on campus!