Digital Leadership Academy

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 be dependent upon their level of incoming experience. Completing assigned work and meeting program objectives creates the opportunity for semesterly raises.

Students will benefit immensely by being mentored by an industry professional. The Division of Information Technology employees which are part of the DLA facilitate students' interaction with real teams and projects. Mentors can model success because they have created it here at Kent State and other successful organizations. 

Soft skills such as communication and pitching ideas look very different on different teams. After practicing the specifics within a large technology organization like the Division of Information Technology, graduates are well prepared to be entry level technologists ready to apply all their bandwidth to the technical problems at hand, rather than "learning the ropes" first.

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. This experience can be highlighted on resumes and during interviews. 

Students work on real projects, applying their knowledge to solve practical problems and build a portfolio that demonstrates their abilities to potential employers.

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

Over a period of semesters, students gain expertise in key skills needed in the technology industry. This is not an exhaustive list nor will all students develop all skils. Skill development will be based on the track students work within.  

• Learn and practice on actual technological platforms such as Microsoft's Power Platform, Outsystems, Figma, NextGen Forms, Freshservice, and Google Analytics. 
• Research different technologies
• Conduct requirements analysis
• Critical Thinking
• Problem Solving
• Team collaboration
• Develop software solutions
• Support and troubleshoot issues
• Learn agile methodologies (e.g., Scrum, Project Board reviews)
• Enhance presentation skills to stakeholders and leadership

The program instills a mindset of continuous improvement and learning, beyond just abstract classroom concepts. This ensures that students are adaptable and well-equipped to thrive in a world where digital leadership skills are in constant demand. Each learning track has its own set of credentials that can be earned and then posted as part of a career profile on sites such as LinkedIn. The DLA prepares students for the job market by developing professional skills, providing networking opportunities, and offering interview preparation.

• Earn credentials for meritorious work
• Receive job search tips
• Get resume reviews
• Participate in mock interviews
• Discuss industry trends
• Explore career pathways