Graduation Into Uncertainty: How a Rethink of an Antiquated Idea May Make All the Difference for 2009 Graduates

In a competitive job market, employers are looking for hardworking candidates with leadership skills. According to a National Underwriter survey, employers ranked leadership training second only to honesty on their list of desired applicant qualities.

Hoboken, NJ (PRWEB) May 14, 2009 -- Thousands of young Americans are about to graduate into something that has not been seen in 80 years: a stalled economy combined with a collapsing job market. This graduation season it will take a special set of skills to succeed. The National Society of Leadership and Success is offering students abo ut to gradate a new path to distinguish themselves in this bleak market

The Society provides students with a leadership certification program designed to help them create lasting positive change in their lives. The National Society of Leadership and Success college campus program offers the next generation of leaders not just the tools and confidence they need to get interviews and impress potential bosses, but also the leadership skills necessary to excel in any field. Look at it as a new twist on an old idea.

"Honor societies are a 19th century concept. We look at The National Society of Leadership and Success as the 21st century version of the traditional honor society, one aimed at results versus academic recognition." says founder Gary Tuerack.

His original vision was to create a community where like-minded, success-oriented individuals could come together to learn from and support each other. Eight years later, The National Society of Leadership and Success is thriving, with 165 chapters and 58,000 members worldwide.

According to Tuerack, American honor societies came on the scene in the late 18th century as organizations of rank, the induction into which recognized excellence among one's peers. But in today's digital world, such recognition does not guarantee success.

Kristin Harkin, President of the National Society of Leadership and Success chapter at Purdue University Calumet campus, says the program gave her focused direction.

"I did not know what to do. I almost wanted someone to tell me what I should do so I could set my goal on that objective," says Harkin. "The speakers and my peers have helped me discover what it is I really want. This is something I could not have accomplished without the help of my advisor and peers. I am now confident that graduate school is the right choice for me."

While their years of study have given them many skills to do well in their chosen careers, students often need help and encouragement landing that first job. In the Society program, students use specially designed workbooks to help them clarify their fears, limitations, purpose and goals,. Members also attend at least three speaker broadcasts in auditoriums on campus and three networking team meetings to complete their certification.

While interviewing at two Fortune 500 companies, Emmanuel Olubajo, president of the Bowling Green State University chapter, was asked about his participation with the Society. When he explained its mission, both recruiters told him it was a feature of his resume and experience that made him stand out. "I was told that having a good GPA was simply not enough to secure a great job upon graduation," says Olubajo. "To have a great job, a smart student ought to develop time management skills, goal-setting skills, interpersonal skills, team working skills, planning skills and leadership skills while in college. Most of these skills aren't taught in the classroom, but could be developed by joining student organizations like the Society."

In a 2008 survey of Society members, the overwhelming majority said that their investment of time and money was worth the resources spent, and that that they will be more successful in life as a result of their participation. Thousands of students across the country report that the Society program helped them find direction and set out with confidence on their chosen career path.

The Society's first step with students is helping them identify their goals and set a path for achievement. Rather than just providing a one-time event, students participate in a year-long speaker series that in the past has included Jack Canfield of "Chicken Soup for the Soul" fame, actress Goldie Hawn and Wally Amos, founder of Famous Amos cookies.

Students also join Success Networking Teams in which members set and hold each other accountable to achieving goals. After each meeting, students submit a reflective journaling entry online, providing advisors the opportunity to coach in a format students are comfortable with.

In a competitive job market, employers are looking for hardworking candidates with leadership skills. According to a National Underwriter survey, employers ranked leadership training second only to honesty on their list of desired applicant qualities.

It is The Society's mission is to be a community of leaders dedicated to creating lasting positive change. The Society offers life-changing lectures from the nation's leading presenters, and communities where people come together and help one another succeed. The Society also serves as a powerful force of good in the greater community by encouraging and organizing action to better the world.

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