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LeaderCORE^TM

Certification of Readiness and Excellence

What is at the CORE of Every Great Leader?

That's what the University at Buffalo School of Management has been asking corporate recruiters for decades. We know that corporate leaders want business school graduates with skills beyond industry knowledge and technical ability.

To ensure that our graduates are "management ready" and can create value for their organizations, we've developed a comprehensive leadership certification program called LeaderCORE that spans the entire two years of our MBA program. Through LeaderCORE, our students navigate real-world business situations while developing a set of clearly identified management competencies that lead to effective performance in the workplace.

Competency Focused

The driving force behind LeaderCORE is a focus on core competencies considered vital by the business community for effective performance and successful leadership. These competencies are organized into three key leadership dimensions with integrity as a unifying value, as illustrated at right. Watch a video about the competencies.

To view the LeaderCORE Model click here [PDF].

How it Works

Upon entering the program, our MBAs undergo a rigorous assessment process to identify the competencies they wish to strengthen. Next, we help each student create a customized personal development plan. Then, with our team of faculty, staff, external coaches and alumni, we provide a unique learning environment where the traditional learning model is complemented with new opportunities for our MBAs to develop skills that prepare them to lead today’s organizations. These opportunities exist within their courses and beyond, through a vast assortment of co-curricular activities like our Corporate Champions program, internships, case competitions and leadership initiatives that are closely related to and integrated with classroom learning experiences. Throughout the process, a real-world focus is paramount, with emphasis on the skills employers have identified as critical for future leaders. In their final semester, students are evaluated, and those who are successful receive LeaderCORE certification.

A Foundation of Experience

For more than a decade, the School of Management has built the foundation of LeaderCORE by learning what employers seek in MBAs and integrating that information into our curriculum. One course in particular, LeaderCORE Development I (formerly Leadership PACE), is based on the belief that success in today’s business world depends on more than just technical expertise. This course helps our students understand and manage themselves and others, and enhances their ability to learn and adapt to new and changing situations. The LeaderCORE program was developed to expand on the outstanding success of Leadership PACE, and brings together faculty, staff, alumni and business partners interested in developing the skills of our next generation of leaders.

How is LeaderCORE Unique?

LeaderCORE is different from other leadership programs in a number of ways.

LeaderCORE:

Creates a highly individualized experience customized for each participant
Empowers students to assess, develop and demonstrate levels of management readiness
Matches students with coaches and advisors from a core of faculty, staff, alumni and corporate partners
Encompasses a wide spectrum of competencies
Integrates coursework with multiple leadership opportunities beyond the classroom
Results in LeaderCORE certification for those who successfully complete the program