The Leadership Academy at Lund University School of Economics and Management (LUSEM) is a leadership training program for students at Lund University, who are employed full-time in a student organisation in Lund. All full-time employees receive an invitation, and around 20 participants are selected to take part.
Leadership in student organisations is rewarding, but challenging. Support, training, and good examples can be essential. Leading and being responsible for staff members and volunteers can be a significant challenge for an inexperienced leader. The program equips young leaders for the challenges that a leadership position often entails.
Students in the Leadership Academy meet regularly over two semesters for workshops and lectures. Topics covered include delegation, stress management, conflict resolution, feedback, goal achievement, meeting techniques, communication, self-awareness, and group dynamics. In addition to workshops, lectures, and individual coaching, they also have visits from companies.
In December, the Leadership Academy welcomed Tove Gleisner, HR Manager at Wihlborgs. During this session, the group had the opportunity to discuss various dilemmas that leaders may face. They also received information on key aspects of workplace environment responsibilities and who is accountable for different areas. Additionally, they gained insight into the role of an HR manager and the challenges it can bring. Tove also emphasized to the participants the importance of taking care of themselves as leaders—not just those around them.
This spring, the group will also receive a visit from Deloitte. Both Wihlborgs and Deloitte, in addition to being partner companies of LUSEM, are also sponsor companies for the Leadership Academy.
Josefine Arvidsson participated in the Leadership Academy last year and is now involved as a project manager. She shares her experiences:
"I found the Leadership Academy to be incredibly valuable when I participated during my year as LundaEkonomerna full-time employee . The program provided me with valuable insights and tools that I used in my leadership role and helped me reflect on my experiences. I have always had a strong interest in leadership and saw the Leadership Academy as an opportunity to deepen my knowledge. What really stuck with me was the importance of reflection and being open to feedback and potentially difficult conversations in order to grow as a person and create a positive environment with colleagues."
Leadership Academy was incredibly valuable when I participated during my year in LundaEkonomerna.
"After seeing the value the program gave me, I chose to stay on as a project manager to help carry it forward. Life as a full-time student leader in Lund’s student life can be intense, but I feel that this year’s participants appreciate the opportunity to reflect and discuss with others in similar situations. For me, it has also been rewarding to listen to their reflections and discussions while drawing from my own experiences."
