Introduction
Leadership experiences provide invaluable opportunities to develop personal and professional skills, particularly in a demanding academic environment like the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). As a computer science student at RIT, I have engaged in various leadership roles, including positions as an Admissions Ambassador, RIT 365 Facilitator, Chapter Philanthropy Director for Alpha Xi Delta, and member of Women in Computing. These roles have shaped my understanding of teamwork, communication, and problem-solving within the context of technology and campus life. This essay explores the key lessons I have learned from these experiences, focusing on adaptability, effective communication, and the importance of fostering inclusivity. By reflecting on specific examples, I aim to demonstrate how these skills are not only applicable to my studies in computing but also to my future career in the field.
Developing Adaptability Through Diverse Responsibilities
One of the most significant lessons from my leadership roles at RIT is the importance of adaptability, a skill highly relevant to the fast-evolving field of computer science. As an Admissions Ambassador since January 2025, I have led over 30 campus tours, often tailoring my approach to suit diverse groups of prospective students and families. For instance, when addressing technical questions about RIT’s computing programs, I needed to adjust my explanations based on the audience’s familiarity with the subject. This mirrors the adaptability required in computing projects, where solutions must be modified based on user needs or unexpected technical challenges. Research highlights that adaptability is a critical leadership trait in dynamic environments (Yukl, 2013), and my experiences at RIT have provided a practical foundation for applying this in professional settings.
Enhancing Communication Skills Through Facilitation
Effective communication has been central to my role as an RIT 365 Facilitator since August 2025, where I lead weekly sessions for over 40 first-year students to ease their transition into university life. This role requires clear explanation of complex ideas—such as time management or academic expectations—and active listening to address individual concerns. A notable achievement was receiving the “Rookie of the Year” Award, which reflected my ability to connect with students meaningfully. This skill is directly applicable to my computer science studies, where collaboration on coding projects often demands articulating technical concepts to peers or clients. Indeed, as Bass (1990) notes, effective leaders must inspire and inform through strong communication, a principle I have endeavored to embody in this role.
Fostering Inclusivity and Teamwork
My involvement in Women in Computing since August 2024 and as Chapter Philanthropy Director for Alpha Xi Delta since September 2025 has underscored the value of fostering inclusivity and teamwork. Organizing philanthropy events for The Kindly Hearts Initiative required coordinating with campus partners and external organizations, ensuring all voices were heard in planning and execution. Similarly, participating in Women in Computing workshops exposed me to mentorship opportunities that emphasized diverse perspectives in technology. These experiences taught me the importance of inclusive environments, which is crucial in computing, where diverse teams often drive innovation (Page, 2007). By leading with empathy, I have learned to build collaborative spaces, a skill I intend to carry into future tech projects.
Conclusion
Reflecting on my leadership experiences at RIT, I have gained critical insights into adaptability, communication, and inclusivity, each of which holds significant relevance to my computer science studies and future career. Whether adapting to diverse audiences as an Admissions Ambassador, honing communication as an RIT 365 Facilitator, or promoting teamwork through Alpha Xi Delta and Women in Computing, these roles have equipped me with practical skills to navigate complex challenges. Importantly, these lessons highlight the intersection of leadership and technology, where interpersonal skills are as vital as technical expertise. Moving forward, I aim to apply these principles in addressing real-world computing problems, contributing to innovative and inclusive solutions in the field.
References
- Bass, B. M. (1990) Bass & Stogdill’s Handbook of Leadership: Theory, Research, and Managerial Applications. Free Press.
- Page, S. E. (2007) The Difference: How the Power of Diversity Creates Better Groups, Firms, Schools, and Societies. Princeton University Press.
- Yukl, G. (2013) Leadership in Organizations. Pearson Education.
