Leadership is a significant skill that comes in many forms.

On the surface, people often think of leadership as holding a glorifying position of immense authority. However, leadership is much more than that. It’s the small things, the big things and everything in between.

It is important to realize everyone is capable of being a leader and everyone is able to positively influence the lives of others. Everyone has a voice that deserves to be heard, and it takes a leader in all of us to truly make a difference in the world.

Here at Iowa State, there are many opportunities for students to become leaders in their community. For example, the Department of Residence offers opportunities for students to serve in house cabinets on their residence hall floors or to work as a community advisor.

House cabinet positions allow students to have a voice in some of the decisions made in their residence hall and through the Inter-Residence Hall Association. They are a great way for students to get involved in the community in their residence hall and are available to incoming students as well.

Being a community advisor is a paid leadership position where students are tasked with overseeing a floor in a residence hall or apartment building in the apartment communities. Their role in establishing a welcoming community and serving as a resource toward other students is vital to the housing experience at Iowa State.  

The Student Government also has many opportunities to have a large impact on the university and its students. Student Government represents the student body at Iowa State and serves as the bridge between students and Iowa State administration, the Iowa Legislature and the Board of Regents.

For students interested in interacting with prospective students or new students, the Office of Admissions and New Student Programs have a few different leadership opportunities up that alley.

Student Admissions Representatives give campus and residence hall tours to prospective students and families during the school year, in addition to assisting with the Experience Iowa State program. Being a Student Admissions Representative is a great way to showcase communication and public speaking skills that are crucial to leadership.

Cyclone Aides work with new students during orientation and Destination Iowa State (DIS), a welcome program to ease new students into life at Iowa State. Cyclone Aides are employed year-round by New Student Programs and undergo extensive training in the areas of campus resources, public speaking and leadership.

DIS team leaders are students who help oversee and carry out the programs that are part of DIS. Team leaders are assigned a group of about 12 to 15 students to guide and be a resource to during their start at Iowa State.

The Student Activities Center hosts leadership workshops and a conference throughout the school year for students interested in leadership development. These events are free for students to attend and challenge students to look deeper into identifying some of their personal values and leadership styles.

For students interested in leadership development, there is also a leadership studies minor and certificate that students can earn on top of their undergraduate degree. Coordinated by the Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics, the leadership studies program is a great way for students to gain a deeper understanding of some of the fundamentals of leadership to better prepare them for future leadership roles in student activities or careers.

These are just a few of the great leadership opportunities available to students at Iowa State. There are many other leadership positions and opportunities available throughout campus, and it is encouraged that students seek out those positions and opportunities.

Go out, seek leadership development opportunities and find the leader in yourself.