Empower Your Leadership Journey with the MESC Leadership Program
Do you value a sense of community, personal growth, and are you seeking professional development while in university?
The MESC Leadership Program offers a unique pathway to leadership positions within Ohio State's ecosystem, focusing on Middle East studies and languages. It is a transformational experience, and an opportunity to develop real-world skills within the context of a team.
This program is for high-achieving students seeking job and life success skills. We hope to curate a team of student leaders interested in the Middle East and willing to support one another. Learn more below.
We require the following from applicants:
participation in a Middle East-related major/minor or advanced study of a Middle Eastern language
willingness to participate in teamwork
interest in learning new skills
community involvement
good interpersonal skills or the willingness to develop them
readiness to learn digital marketing and specialized media skills
desire to gain cross-cultural experience and intercultural competence
participation in the Career Paths in Middle East Studies ARTSSCI First Year Seminar, if possible
You will receive ongoing feedback on your job performance and assessments of your skills and abilities so that you will have concrete points to add to your resume. The MESC directors can also prepare detailed recommendations or reference letters upon request.
The following assessments can help set milestones and evaluate teamwork, leadership readiness, and other achievements:
Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) tests
e-portfolio feedback
resume suggestions
You will learn tools and skills to help you be successful in academics and workplace projects. We are committed to our team members' continuous learning and professional growth, with an emphasis on training, sharing knowledge with each other, and becoming adaptable to changing workplace demands.
You can expect the following results:
confidence in on-the-job skills
enhanced problem-solving and creativity
an understanding of how academic work translates into real-world success
development of critical thinking and decision-making skills
The MESC Leadership Program is a comprehensive framework designed to cultivate leadership skills, community involvement, and professional development among students with a focus on Middle East Studies. This program emphasizes practical experience, intercultural learning, and the transfer of knowledge and leadership roles to future participants.
Expectations
Leadership and Teamwork: Leaders are expected to exhibit leadership by showing exceptional teamwork, problem-solving skills, and a dedication to building community.
Learning and Teaching: The program values intercultural learning, acquiring new skills, and teaching these skills to others.
Sustainability: Leaders are tasked with ensuring the continuity of their work by preparing resources and guidance for their successors.
Community Involvement
The program incorporates events for the Middle East Studies Forum and various student organizations, fostering a diverse and interdisciplinary environment.
This position is ideal for active members and leaders of student organizations. Not only do we provide resources and connections, but we also train students in practical leadership strategy and project
Roles and Progression
This Leadership Program is a part of the Middle East Studies Center's student engagement team. There are several tiers of involvement for participants. This is the basic structure:
1. **Student Engagement Team:** Entry-level participants, including volunteers, work-study assistants, and academic interns. They focus on teamwork, reliability, and providing feedback.
2. **Lead Intern (Paid Position):** Responsibilities include teaching media skills, overseeing task progress, and ensuring team members fulfill their duties.
3. **Advisory Board Member:** This senior role involves reporting on the student team's activities, engaging in projects relevant to students, and ideally holding an officer position in a student organization.
Leadership Program members are expected to take part in Middle East Studies Forum and other communities such as student organizations, or community volunteer work.
The MESC provides opportunities for students interested in moving up and pursuing higher-order projects. We may ask advanced leaders to helo with the following:
Enhance advisory board participation with structured support and clear role descriptions.
Establish a cohort system for lead interns, emphasizing their role in cultivating future leaders.