Climbing the ‘corporate ladder’ can have a variety of different steps for every organization and industry. However, one common skill that most employees need to have as they look to advance their careers and move up that ladder is the ability to lead. For those of you looking to excel in today’s competitive business arena, there are several different educational paths you can pursue that will provide you with the leadership skills necessary for making your way to the top.

If you are working your way towards an executive, managerial, or leadership role, a graduate leadership program like Goodwin College’s MSOL degree is the perfect next step to help achieve your professional goals. Nowadays, there are many great graduate leadership programs to choose from that are offered in all different formats. Here are the top items to consider as you research graduate leadership programs in Connecticut.

1. Consider your career goals.

Before you even begin your search for a graduate leadership program, take a step back and ask yourself what your short term and long-term career goals are. Do you see yourself as a manager or executive at a big corporation? Do you have dreams of working in an education system as a Principal or administrator?  Or, do you have political aspirations and want to hold an office position at the state or federal level? Having a clear understanding of what you want to do with your career will help you choose a program that is most aligned with helping you achieve your goals.

2. Choose a program that has career-focused coursework for MSOL students.

Once you have your goals set, evaluate each programs’ curriculum. Choose a graduate leadership program that has career-focused coursework and will give you the tools needed to analyze certain situations, strategize solutions, and achieve successful results within an organization. Goodwin’s Organizational Leadership curriculum, for example, is focused on offering relevant courses to our students such as the Foundations of Leadership, which teaches the fundamentals of problem-solving, conflict resolution, leadership styles, cross-cultural and cross-generational challenges, and stakeholder engagement.

3. Find a program that understands and addresses the needs of today’s top employers 

While pursuing a higher degree is certainly admirable and a good resume builder, what value does that degree really hold if the coursework is not applicable to real life situations that you will encounter in your field? A good graduate leadership program should be in touch with different market situations and expectations so that students can not only learn foundational skills, but come out with a good understanding of what their employer’s needs are. At Goodwin, we understand the needs of today’s top employers, which is why we have created a robust Master’s in Organizational Leadership program to prepare students for real life situations.

4. Ensure the graduate leadership program is flexible.

Flexibility is key in today’s fast-moving environment. Over the past couple of decades, technology has not only enhanced educational programs, but also has helped enhance students’ experience pursuing their graduate leadership degree by giving them the flexibility to complete their degree on their own terms in their preferred formats. Many graduate leadership programs, like Goodwin’s, offer a hybrid format which combines classroom and online learning, allowing you to achieve your degree while still juggling all of life’s other priorities.

5. Choose a graduate leadership program that offers lifetime career services.

The days of having one job for your whole career are in the past. Nowadays, it is more common for people to change jobs multiple times throughout their careers. Whether people are changing jobs in search of higher compensation or greater fulfillment, it’s important to have the support behind you to make the right move. Choosing a graduate leadership program that offers lifetime career services is a huge plus in today’s job market. Goodwin College goes a step beyond many other institutions, and has a dedicated career services staff that not only works with students while they are enrolled, but way beyond graduation. We aim to guide them through the process of finding a new job, including resume building, cover letter writing, networking, and prepping for interviews.

Career advancement is at the top of your priority list, and choosing the right graduate leadership program will be key in getting where you want to be. Learn more about how Goodwin’s Master’s in Organizational Leadership program can help you move up the career ladder and land the job of your dreams. Call us at 800-889-3282 today.