Buckeye engineers help peers hone leadership skills

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Ohio State Head Football Coach Urban Meyer was the keynote speaker at the third annual Leadership Summit
The fields of engineering and football collided in the best way possible when Ohio State Head Football Coach Urban Meyer addressed 315 students at the third annual Leadership Summit on January 31.

“Leadership is the difference and it’s something I’ve believed in for many years,” said Meyer during his keynote address. “Every great company teaches leadership.”

Organized by industrial and systems engineering students, the summit is a one-day leadership immersion event that helps Ohio State students uncover leadership strengths.

Vice President of UPS Customer Solutions Charlie Covert (’88, industrial and systems engineering) presented the opening session, followed by breakout sessions from professors and professionals on topics ranging from pragmatic ways to accelerate career success, to personal leadership excellence and diversity in the workplace. 

“It was a great opportunity for students to learn from different people’s perspectives. I was really happy when I was asked to participate,” said Covert. “I am so impressed with how the university has raised the bar on the support for the students and with the students themselves. I was impressed with how prepared they are to move forward in the world and how much they have already accomplished.”

The summit included a networking session, which enabled students to meet company representatives and learn more about the 16 event sponsors, including premier sponsors Eaton and AMEND. 

A company-sponsored dinner rounded out the event, where students had the opportunity to interact with company recruiters and hear Meyer’s keynote address.

Networking session at the 2015 Leadership Summit

“I came to the summit because a lot of friends told me it would be interesting,” said Collin Marshall, a third-year industrial systems engineering major. “There are a lot of cool companies I would like to get involved with to see what they are all about.”

After many hours spent planning the successful event, organizers said they are pleased to host something that benefits their peers. 

“Overall, if students were able to grow as professionals and make connections with company representatives and industry leaders, then we consider the Leadership Summit a success,” said Summit Coordinator Corey Turner, an industrial and systems engineering major. 

Plans for next year’s 2016 Leadership Summit are already underway.  

 

Category: Students