Leadership is an artform—one that can be cultivated in college and applied in the career world—and Novo Collegians are learning to master it.
This is the aim of New College’s brand-new Certificate in Leadership: Liberal Arts Work in the Real World initiative, launched this week by the Center for Career Engagement and Opportunity (CEO).
Hosted by industry experts, the two-month program is designed to equip students in all areas of concentration with the skills needed for resume building and job success.
“This world needs leadership that goes beyond the traditional sense,” said CEO Director Dwayne Peterson, whose team also brought New College the career-centric Professionals in Residence mentoring program last fall. “We know New College students are passionate about social change, advocacy and making a difference. This Certificate complements students’ academic knowledge to help them make a meaningful impact in the world.”
To earn the non-credit-bearing Certificate, attendees will choose four out of the five, 90-minute Wednesday evening workshops via Zoom (from February 10 to April 7), as well as participate in a practical experience (such as an internship or a research project). Patricia Courtois, one of New College’s Professionals in Residence, is the head instructor and coordinator of the Certificate program, and she will be joined by several high-powered guest facilitators.
“We’ll discuss everything from creativity to collaboration to effecting change, all through a lens of our participating students and their own passions and career goals,” Courtois said. “I hope this will provide some context for students in applying their own unique skills. I enjoy providing my take on how I’ve learned to fail forward. Also, the unique culture of New College and its students inspires me.”
Courtois, a Northwestern University alumna, has spent 40 years leading communications and corporate philanthropy efforts for companies and brands such as Beatrice Foods Company, Sara Lee Corporation, Tropicana, Sweet’n Low, Butter Buds, Sugar in the Raw and ClosetMaid.
She joined Clarke Advertising and Public Relations (later rebranded as C-Suite Communications) in 1999, and later purchased the agency from founder Tim Clarke. During Courtois’ tenure at Tropicana in Bradenton, she oversaw advertising, public relations and promotions for Tropicana Pure Premium Orange Juice, and orchestrated its launch in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Courtois has also been mentoring students for decades—since 1980, in fact, when she began working with the Chicago Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America.
“It’s been a long and rewarding journey, helping students navigate the world outside the lecture hall,” Courtois said. “The best reward for me is when I see students (or staff members) I’ve mentored move on for new and more challenging experiences/jobs. I still get ‘thank you’ notes from people who remind me that I had some role in their success.”
Peterson is thrilled to have Courtois onboard for the Certificate program at New College.
“Patricia is the perfect person to help coordinate this Certificate. As a Professional in Residence, she is committed to New College students’ success,” Peterson said. “And, as a liberal arts graduate, she knows the challenges her students will face as they pursue their professional goals.”
Courtois holds a bachelor’s degree in English literature and journalism from Northwestern, and she believes “there is so much you can achieve with a liberal arts degree, no matter what direction your career takes.” She is also adept at helping students sharpen their competitiveness by learning to package their skills and effectively market themselves.
“Patricia really understands how to think creatively about telling your story to an external audience in terms of standing out in the crowd, and I believe that’s because of her liberal arts training,” Peterson said. “And the Certificate provides a little extra designation or proof that the student applying for a job has a little bit more than most—which is what students need in a highly competitive job market.”
The Certificate in Leadership schedule is as follows:
Collaboration Through Teamwork
5:30 to 7 p.m. Wed. Feb. 10
(Facilitated by Art Lambert, co-founder of S-One Holdings Corporation)
Working in teams enables employees to be quicker and more effective in their work, as compared to people who work on projects independently. Collaborating also makes employees more responsible, which goes a long way in raising their motivation levels (especially when teams work virtually). This course will help students gain clarity on the elements of collaboration in the workplace—the benefits and the hurdles.
Creativity Works Everywhere
5:30 to 7 p.m. Wed. Feb. 24
(Facilitated by David Bonner, chief creative officer at On Ideas)
Creativity is something that must be practiced. People need to get out of their comfort zones and into the world, and venture into the messy unknown. They cannot be creative if they are constantly censoring themselves. Students in this course will delve into the creative process, and learn that creativity is not just reserved for artists or creative organizations.
Matching Your Talent with the “Business” Setting
5:30 to 7 p.m. Wed. March 10
(Facilitated by Juliette Reynolds, liberal arts graduate and vice president of digital strategy at On Ideas)
First impressions and personal branding matter. How should people represent themselves through their outward appearance and social media activities? How should they know what types of behaviors are expected at work? This course will show students how to apply their skills, talents and passions in real-world business settings.
Leadership Exists at Any Level
5:30 to 7 p.m. Wed. March 31
(Facilitated by Jeff Lundy, Ph.D., New College alumnus and director of public policy for PepsiCo)
Students will explore their leadership origin and learn how to apply it at any level (and within any organization) through this course.
Effecting Change in the Workplace
5:30 to 7 p.m. Wed. April 7
(Facilitated by Felice Schulaner, New College alumna, coach and retired human resources executive)
How can professionals promote positive change in the workplace? Students in this course will gain insights about how to use tools for effecting change, no matter what role they may play in a future organization.
To learn more about the Certificate in Leadership program, visit ncf.edu/ceo/leadership.
Abby Weingarten is the senior editor in the Office of Communications & Marketing.