Define Your Leadership. Earn Your Credential.
The Leadership Development Badge is a personalized, experience-based program for WashU students who want to grow as confident, capable leaders. Through interactive workshops, one-on-one coaching, and hands-on learning opportunities, you’ll create a leadership development plan tailored to your goals—and earn an official badge and cord to showcase your accomplishment.
Whether you want to take on leadership roles on campus, stand out to future employers, or simply understand your strengths more deeply, this program provides the tools, support, and recognition to get you there.
Congratulations to Our Leadership Development Badge Recipients
We proudly recognize the dedication and growth of our students who have completed the Leadership Development Badge program. Their commitment to personal and professional development exemplifies the values of the Bauer Leaders Academy.
To verify the credentials of our graduates, please click the button below.
Why It Matters
Leadership is more than a title—it’s a set of skills, habits, and mindsets that you can develop and apply anywhere. Completing the Leadership Development Badge will help you:
- 🧠 Build self-awareness — Understand your strengths, values, and leadership style
- 🎯 Enhance core skills — Grow in communication, decision-making, and problem-solving
- 🌟 Gain credibility — Earn a recognized credential that can be added to your résumé and LinkedIn
- 🤝 Expand your network — Connect with peers, mentors, and leadership experts
How It Works
To earn the Leadership Development Badge, you’ll complete three main components:
Leadership Workshops
Attend at least four one-hour workshops from our approved list—choose topics that interest you most.
Leadership Coaching
Meet three times with a Leadership Coach to set goals, track progress, and reflect on your growth.
Experiential Learning Pathway
Choose either the Red Pathway (one required) or the Green Pathway (three required) to apply what you’ve learned in real-world settings.
Don’t see your initiative listed?? If you are a part of a leadership program, class, or internship that you would like to be considered as a Pathway please let us know!
Upcoming Opportunities
| Strengths Unleashed” A New Way to Lead Spring Dates TBD | Discover how to lead with greater impact by leveraging your unique strengths. This interactive workshop helps emerging and experienced leaders build self-awareness, boost confidence, and grow leadership capacity through a strengths-based approach. Learn how to apply your natural talents to inspire others, navigate challenges, and lead authentically. |
| The Introvert Influence March 3rd | 5 PM | Have you ever felt like you’re too quiet to lead? Contrary to common stereotypes, research shows that introverts can be highly effective leaders. Join us as we highlight the importance of leadership at every stage, and discuss how quiet, behind-the-scenes leadership can be just as powerful and impactful. Learn how to flex your introverted muscles to provide leadership in groups, teams, and organizations. |
What You’ll Earn
Upon completion, you’ll receive:
- A digital LinkedIn Leadership Badge to highlight your achievement
- A Bauer Leaders Academy graduation cord to wear at commencement
- A personalized certificate of completion
- An invitation to the Excellence in Leadership Awards in the spring
Related Leadership Pathways
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