Digital Leadership Academy

The Digital Leadership Academy (DLA) offers paid positions through which students develop critical technical and soft skills required in the modern workplace.

By matching them with mentors and engaging them in real divisional projects, the program emphasizes both technical competencies and essential workplace skills, including

project management
process review
incident and change management
budgeting/forecasting
accurate and on-time deliverables
leading discussions and meetings
effective team communication

The DLA places students on functioning IT teams with a specialized role and required deliverables, giving them a front row seat to real team project management and interaction with stakeholders and supervisors.

Students gain hands-on experience in lifecycle project development, learning operational norms and leadership skills while advancing their technical expertise. This comprehensive approach prepares them to enter the workforce fully equipped with the soft skills so valued by employers.

The program gives students paid training and technical, functional, and team-building expertise, all valued by tech industry employers. It focuses on advancing students' proficiency in several competencies (tracks), including:

Key Benefits of Participating in the Digital Leadership Academy

Student Requirements and Position Details

Students are expected to work 15-28 hours per week during business hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday). Not all tracks will be accepting students each semester, only if there is an opening with the mentor for that track. All students are welcome to apply, with preference given to freshman and sophomore undergraduates.

Students' starting pay rate will depend on their level of experience. Completing assigned work and meeting program objectives creates the opportunity for semesterly raises.

Mentorship and Guidance

Students will benefit immensely by being mentored by an industry professional. The Division of Information Technology employees involved in the DLA facilitate students' interaction with real teams and projects. Mentors model success, having created it here at Kent State and other successful organizations.

The mentors place a strong emphasis on soft skills such as communication, leading discussions, and pitching ideas. Students will engage in project management, process review, incident and change management, and requirements gathering—key aspects of understanding project operations in the technology field. These practical experiences give students an edge, allowing them to confidently enter the workforce ready to address technical problems without needing extensive orientation or supervision.

Industry-Relevant Expertise

Students gain exposure to innovative technologies and industry best practices, ensuring they are well-prepared to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving digital landscape. They work on real projects, applying their knowledge to solve practical problems, and build a portfolio that demonstrates their skills to potential employers.

Graduates of the DLA stand out in the job market due to their combination of soft skills and lifecycle project experience, making them valuable assets to companies seeking digital leaders.

Skill Development

Over the course of several semesters, students gain expertise in essential skills needed in the technology industry. In addition to technical skills, the program emphasizes policy, procedure, and operational norms, such as:

Project management
Leading team discussions
Budgeting and forecasting costs
Process and requirements analysis
Problem-solving
Agile methodologies (e.g., Scrum, Project Board reviews)
Presentation skills to stakeholders and leadership
Communication and team collaboration

Classroom Learning Becomes Career Readiness

The DLA instills a mindset of continuous improvement and learning, going beyond abstract classroom concepts. Each learning track offers its own credentials that can be earned and added to career profiles on platforms such as LinkedIn.

The program prepares students for the job market by developing professional skills, offering networking opportunities, and providing resources for resume reviews, mock interviews, and industry trends discussions. Mentors and team members will discuss skill sets and potential career pathways with students.

By focusing not only on technical skills but also on the broader soft skills and leadership qualities required in the workforce, the DLA ensures students are well-equipped for successful careers.

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