eng 100 – fall 2023
The leadership courses I’ve taken at Illinois have given me the opportunity to explore leadership concepts in a structured, academic setting. These classes challenged me to think critically about leadership theory, reflect on my own style, and apply lessons to real-world situations. They provided both a foundation of knowledge and practical tools that complement my experiences in organizations and labs.
The course I chose to highlight is ENG 100, the introductory engineering orientation course I took during my first semester of college. Here, I learned the fundamentals of collaborating in an engineering environment that I carry with me today.
Special thanks to Nick Hartmann, our course director, for sharing his wisdom with us.
Sample work – nanotech final project
This course was my first chance at Illinois to work in a collaborative engineering setting where leadership was essential. Our final project on nanotechnology required us to research, synthesize, and present complex applications, which meant balancing technical work with clear communication and teamwork. I learned that leadership in this context was about organizing ideas, delegating tasks, and ensuring that everyone’s contributions fit into a cohesive whole. Beyond the technical learning, the experience reinforced that effective leadership in engineering is not just about solving problems, it’s about guiding people and fostering collaboration.
Illinois Leadership Certificate ePortfolio 