- LEARN Experiences
- LEAP Experiences
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- Leadership Teaching Fellows
- Applied Leadership Fellows
- Social Transformation Fellowship
- Leadership Certificate
LEARNING TO LEAD
Applied Leadership Fellows are student employees of the Barger Leadership Institute whose learning objectives are growth in professional identity, professional skill, and leadership learning, and impact on building the BLI community and the success of our programs and events.
ALFs serve as liaisons between the BLI's professional staff and its student members by providing program assistance within various functional teams — marketing and communications, events, grants and funding, community outreach, and program operations. The integration of Applied Leadership Fellows into operational aspects of BLI allows the Institute to maintain a close connection with our members and provide a dedicated space for our student staff to develop leadership skills within a professional setting.
As an Applied Leadership Fellow, you will have the opportunity to:
- Actively develop and lead activities and opportunities that strengthen the BLI community
- Work in collaborative teams to build skills in communication, project planning, self-awareness, and inclusion
- Receive individualized coaching from professional staff on workplace skills and professional development through goal-setting and timely feedback
- Develop a sense of self-confidence and agency, so you are comfortable taking risks and embracing opportunities to thrive
- Develop valuable professional skills and experiences essential for impactful leadership at Michigan and beyond
ALFs will work (and learn) on one of the following teams:
- EVENTS: Coordinate and facilitate multiple student-facing events each semester. Includes event ideation, logistical planning, budgeting, registration management, facilitation, and reporting for each event.
- MARKETING/COMMUNICATIONS: Lead student-facing communications through creation and distribution of the BLI newsletter, social media management, website updating, and designing print and digital promotional materials.
- COMMUNITY OUTREACH, RECRUITMENT & ENGAGEMENT: Engage and educate the BLI and greater University community about the BLI organization with the goals of recruiting members, building community, and strengthening campus partner relationships.
- GRANTS & FUNDING: Provide assistance and guidance through the BLI funding application process; responsible for tracking all new and existing funding applications in the online application system.
- RETREAT PROJECT MANAGERS: Responsible for managing the administrative operations and facilitation of the BLI Detroit Retreat, while working closely with the ALF program manager and administrative specialist. Support the Mindful Leader Retreat through pre-work and weekend assistance.
- LEAD ALF: Provide mentorship and support to ALF teams. Work to promote cross-team collaborations to help ensure the success of student-facing initiatives and events. Lead the charge in facilitating alumni engagement opportunities and events for members. Available to returning fellows only.
Learn More
- Time requirement: 5–10 hours per week
- Eligibility: Must have completed any BLI LEARN experience
- Application for 2024-25: Closed
- Compensation: $16/hour
- The BLI Applied Leadership Fellowship qualifies as a Blue Experience of the Michigan Leadership Certificate.
Questions?
- Contact Beth Cain-Toth.
The ALF Experience
“Working for the BLI has been the most rewarding experience of my entire college career. During my time as an ALF, I’ve gotten to collaborate with a fantastic team of fellow students and professional staff who are deeply dedicated to making leadership learning accessible on Michigan’s campus. My role allows me to engage directly with community members (which has been such a valuable social learning experience) and as a result I’ve gotten to cultivate several meaningful and purpose-driven connections with students and influential community leaders that will serve me and the BLI well into the future. Additionally, as I’ve taken the lead on professional projects with real-world impact, I’ve gotten to practice and hone essential skills that will be fundamental to my success once I start at my full-time job.The BLI is the reason for so much of my personal and professional development and I will always be grateful for the irreplaceable opportunities and connections I gained during my time on the ALF team.”
Bailey Redler, Applied Leadership Fellow
“My role as an ALF has been one of the most rewarding, beneficial experiences I've had while at the University of Michigan. I have developed several transferable skills and been involved in new experiences I might otherwise not have had access to in other organizations. Beyond the leadership and professional development, my favorite part of working for the BLI is the supportive community we've built and contributing to an organization that values its members and provides endless opportunities for their growth.”
Taylor Burnham, Applied Leadership Fellow
