The Emerging Leaders in Engineering program empowers undergraduates with advanced leadership skills to help shape the future of engineering.

When civil and environmental engineering senior Jake Eko interviews for jobs, there’s one thing that prospective employers are eager to learn more about: the Emerging Leaders in Engineering (ELE) program. “Employers love to ask questions about it,” Eko says.

Since it was founded six years ago, the ELE program has equipped hundreds of undergraduate engineering students with advanced leadership skills that complement their technical coursework. While some ELE students coordinate recruitment and outreach events to inspire the next generation of engineers, others teach makerspace workshops or mentor first-year engineering students.

“If they’re trained in leadership and trained as an engineer, students can go on to lead tomorrow’s companies,” says Dan Ratner, associate dean of academic affairs in the College of Engineering. “We see students come out of their shells. The ELE students become empowered and feel like they can answer questions, serve as an example and be looked up to.”

From founding to flourishing

The program has more than doubled in size since its launch. This year, 100 engineering students were selected from a record-breaking 318 applicants. Participating students, who receive scholarships and course credit, are spread across three sub-programs: Engineering Ambassadors (EAs), Engineering Design Coaches (EDCs) and Engineering Peer Educators (EPEs).

In addition to student leadership development, the ELE program helps support the Direct-to-College admission process, which admits first-year students directly to the College of Engineering with guaranteed access to an engineering major. Since incoming students — of which there are more than 1,000 — have one year before ranking their preferred engineering majors, the EPEs help guide them through an exploration process. Meanwhile, the EDCs provide hands-on technical instruction and the EAs ensure that prospective students and families understand the admissions process.

“The ELE students are hungry for this kind of experience and leadership opportunity,” says Shanai Lechtenberg, the college’s senior director for student academic services. “Many of the students share that this is the most impactful thing they’ve ever done at UW.”

Shaping a skillset

Considering what type of leader they want to be is an important first step for ELE students. A training course culminates with students writing a leadership philosophy. They also receive specialized instruction geared toward their specific sub-program. Together, the cohort learns high-level leadership skills such as facilitation, creating inclusive learning environments and public speaking.

The program utilizes expertise both within the college and across campus. The college’s Office of Inclusive Excellence offers diversity, equity and inclusion training, while speech coaching is provided by the Communication Department’s Center for Speech & Debate. One of the most frequent comments from ELE students is that they have greater confidence when addressing a large audience.

“We would have group presentations in engineering classes, but no one teaches you how to do them,” explains bioengineering senior Aditi Prabhala, who has participated in the program for three years. “I’ve become a better public speaker and can effectively present information. Learning how to communicate in a way that is effective for everyone involved will be beneficial in my career.”

Another key set of skills is curriculum building and lesson planning. As an Engineering Peer Educator, Eko facilitated a GEN ST 199: University Community course as part of an Engineering First-Year Interest Group (E-FIG), with lessons geared toward exploring the 11 engineering majors and interdisciplinary career pathways.

“I learned a teaching skillset where I can go into groups and have a work-together mindset,” explains Eko. “In terms of engineering being a very technical field, this exposes soft skills — I can say I worked with 25 freshmen and taught a course. It’s one of the experiences that will have the most meaningful impact on my future.”

In addition, Prabhala and Eko list a variety of other essential leadership skills that they’ve honed — from accountability to active listening to leading outreach activities.

“As an engineering ambassador, we did a lot of outreach, such as workshops for transfer students and hosting elementary schools on campus for tours,” says Prabhala. “A lot of people depended on us.”

Applying mentorship to management

Employed at Boeing, alumnus Derek Wei (BSME ’20) started as a test engineer and is now an acting manager. The mentoring skills he developed as an EPE have been particularly helpful in advancing his career in a short amount of time, he says.

“I’ve been able to mentor folks on the team and help direct reports with removing roadblocks and overcoming challenges,” says Wei, who was awarded the 2020 Outstanding EPE of the Year award. “Being a peer educator helped me do that, especially having experience connecting with individuals, figuring out how to relate to them, and being a helping hand.”

Supporting roles

The success of the ELE program wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of the following staff members:

• Shanai Lechtenberg - Senior Director for Student Academic Services
• Lauren Fryhle - Associate Director of Advising & Student Engagement
• Eli Williams - Recruitment and Youth Engagement Program Manager
• Allie Carpenter - Lead Academic Adviser
• Dei Caudle - Instructional Technician