Shelby Speer, Graduate Student Services Coordinator

Want to develop some superb skills that will make you stand out to employers? My name is Shelby Speer, and I am the Graduate Student Services Coordinator here at USG. I am also the main coordinator of leadership programming, and wanted to tell you a little bit about some great opportunities that you should take advantage of.

First, register for the #USGLeads Leadership Symposium on September 18. At this event, you will hear from experts and engage in activities designed to increase your leadership proficiencies. Our keynote speaker is Tony Spearman-Leach, the Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations for Make-a-Wish Mid-Atlantic. He will be followed by an activity where you will learn how to make the most your online presence. Next, you will choose from three workshops on different leadership topics.

Next, sign up to complete a nationally-recognized Emerging Leadership Badge! This self-paced achievement will encourage you to apply leadership development theory to activities that you may already be doing. It only takes about 15 hours to complete, and you’ll receive a certificate and gift at the Student Engagement Recognition Awards ceremony. Already completed this badge? Apply for the Expanding Leadership Badge! Enrollment is encouraged by September 15, though applications are rolling.

Finally, I am excited to announce the launch of the Interculturalist Badge: the first in the state! You can either complete this at your own pace like the leadership badges, or in conjunction with the in-person Leadership and Diversity Learning Series. Sign up today!

We hope that you will engage in one or more of these rewarding opportunities: in addition to looking great on your resume, they will help you to expand your co-curricular opportunities at USG. Please feel free contact me with any questions at srspeer@umd.edu.