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.
Time requirement: 7-10 hours (with opportunities for additional hours)
Eligibility: Must have completed any BLI LEARN experience
Compensation: $16/hour
Application Timeline: The Applied Leadership Fellows Application has closed for the 2025 to 2026 school year.
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, including opportunities for cross-team collaboration
- 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, and 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 Manager Teams: 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.
- Alumni Liaison: Assist in the building and oversight of the BLI’s alumni relations program that effectively engages and cultivates relationships with students and alumni
- Lead Applied Leadership Fellow: 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.
Position Benefits:
- Scheduling flexibility that can be accommodated to your schedule
- Inclusive, supportive community and team relationships
- Plenty of leadership development and growth opportunities
- Increased access to BLI events and opportunities
The ALF Experience
“Working for the BLI has been the best experience I have had during my time at Michigan. I have not only learned how to be a better leader, but I have developed more confidence in myself and my own skills that I will take with me into the future. Beyond the technical and soft skills, becoming a part of the BLI community has allowed me to meet some amazing people and develop long-lasting friendships.”
Eliza Phares, Applied Leadership Fellow
“Being an ALF has taught me a lot about my own leadership skills and what I bring to the table, while also helping me recognize areas for improvement. I’m someone who thrives on big-picture thinking, and being an ALF has challenged me to focus more on the details. I also love the community engagement opportunities I get to have, especially when I dress up as Bargie – it’s a fun way to connect with others and contribute to the BLI’s positive impact!”
Christian Loza, Applied Leadership Fellow
