When you first start your Miami experience, everything feels like an Instagram-worthy adventure. But somewhere between discovering the best study spot and figuring out how to not get lost in the dining hall, you might be also finding your voice and figuring out who you will be and what you will do after college. Part of this journey, for many Miami students, includes a stop along the way in becoming a student leader. If you’re a Miami student, I already know you have the potential to be a student leader. Leadership isn’t about being the loudest or most outgoing person in the room. It’s also not necessarily about being the president of your student organization (though it might!). It IS about learning, growing, and creating a positive impact in your community.
And while it may take a while to feel like a leader, or have something ready to go for your resume, you can start preparing yourself to be a leader starting your first semester on campus. So. What can you be doing NOW to set yourself up to be a leader at Miami?
Here are some quick tips to kick things off:
- Start small: Leadership doesn’t mean running a club right away. Begin by showing up and contributing.
- Be curious: Ask questions, attend events, and explore what excites you.
- Build relationships: Say hi to people, join group chats, and make friends. Leadership often involves teamwork and almost always involves relationships.
- Don’t overcommit: Quality over quantity—focus on doing a few things well.
- Be yourself: You don’t need to fit a stereotype to be a great leader. Authenticity wins every time.
- Check out Miami’s resources as well as our blog posts!
Now that you’re warmed up, let’s break it down step-by-step!
Disclaimer: This is totally up to you! There’s no “right” semester to start your leadership journey. Some students dive in right away, while others wait until they feel more comfortable on campus. Start when you feel ready to take the plunge.
Fall Semester (A.K.A. The “Getting Your Life Together” Phase)
- Join Clubs You Actually Care About
Forget joining 15 clubs for the free pizza. Find 2-3 organizations that align with your interests. Love sustainability? Join an eco-related club. Obsessed with Taylor Swift? There’s a Taylor Swift Society (seriously). - Show Up Consistently
Leadership starts with being present. Whether it’s attending meetings or volunteering for events, showing up matters. People notice reliability. - Talk to Upperclass Leaders
Ask how they got involved and what their leadership roles look like. Bonus: They might help you avoid rookie mistakes. - Keep Your GPA in Check
You can’t lead if you’re constantly stressed about grades. Hit the books, find study groups, and don’t be afraid to ask for help if needed. Balance is key!
Winter Break (The “Planning and Plotting” Phase)
- Reflect on Your First Semester
What did you enjoy? What didn’t work? Use this downtime to strategize how you want to engage with campus life moving forward. - Apply for Spring Leadership Roles
Many clubs have mid-year elections or open committee positions. Don’t sleep on these opportunities—they’re the perfect springboard to bigger roles later. - Spruce Up Your Resume
Yes, even as a first-year student! Start documenting your involvement and achievements—it’ll come in handy when applying for leadership roles or internships.
Spring Semester (The “Moving Up” Phase)
- Volunteer for Projects or Events
Sign up to plan a fundraiser, host a workshop, or lead a team activity. Small wins like these boost your confidence and show others you’re serious about contributing. - Take Initiative
Got an idea for a new event or initiative? Pitch it! Leaders are doers, and showing you can think outside the box is a great way to stand out. - Network, Network, Network
Attend campus events, leadership conferences, and office hours. Connect with professors, advisors, and peers who can mentor and support you. - Keep Learning
Leadership is a skill, not a title. Read books, attend workshops, and seek feedback to keep improving. Consider the Leadership and Service certificate through Wilks!
Summer Break (The “Glow-Up” Phase)
- Secure a Summer Leadership Gig
Apply for internships, summer programs, or volunteer positions that align with your passions. Leadership doesn’t stop when school’s out. - Set Goals for Next Year
Want to run for a club exec board? Organize a campus-wide event? Write down your aspirations and plan your moves.
Pro Tips for Leadership Success
- Be Authentic
Don’t try to fit into someone else’s mold of a “leader.” People will follow you because you’re YOU. - Learn to Delegate
You can’t (and shouldn’t) do everything. Trust your team and give others a chance to shine. - Stay Humble
Leadership is about service, not ego. Focus on making a difference, not just padding your resume.
Leadership is a journey, not a race. The best leaders are the ones who aren’t afraid to learn from their mistakes, so don’t stress about being perfect. So get out there, make an impact, and most importantly, have fun while doing it.
Chi Truong | Class of 2026
