Abstract
Leadership is a core competency needed by all management students. However, students may often learn leadership theories without taking the time to reflect on their own identities (who they are) and without considering the necessary and critical routes that must be followed on their paths toward becoming effective organizational leaders. In dynamic and uncertain global and technological environments, students’ abilities to strategically map their careers and assess and develop key skills critical to career success are more important than ever. This paper describes an assignment in our MBA Leadership class: “Individual Strategic Professional Development Plan”. The assignment consists of three parts: in part one, students conduct an industry and job analysis; in part two, students explore, benchmark and develop their leadership skills; and, in part three, they develop a personal strategic plan for guiding and achieving their leadership capabilities and career goals. Anecdotally, students in post-class assessments have voiced praise for the assignment, citing it as one of the most important in their MBA experience.