Fall 2026 Dates: Week of October 19-24 (Sign Up Here!)

O U R   P U R P O S E

To help Penn State students go from classroom to career by providing students With an impactful professional developmental experience

The Leadership Development Center is an opportunity to take your leadership skills to the next level! The SHC-LDC is a professional development experience typically only available to executives in industry. However, the SHC is able to provide this immersive signature event to its students due to the generosity of Deloitte and the expertise from Penn State's Industrial-Organizational program. This unique combination of resources provides you with a FREE opportunity that would cost approximately $2,000 outside of the SHC. Through your participation in this program, you will gain insight about your leadership competencies as professional assessors observe you perform realistic work tasks, then provide you with ratings, feedback, and developmental tups that include how to use resources on campus to develop your competencies and prepare for your career. This means that your junior year is likely the ideal year to participate in the LDC, although Seniors and Sophomores are also encouraged to apply. Space is limited.   

WHY PARTICIPATE IN THE LDC?

There Are Many Great Reasons!  Recent Graduates Share Their Insight...

Lan Li

"The LDC experience was phenomenal.  The activities felt very real and they make you think right on the spot.  It was challenging while at the same time really fun! Regardless of what field we end up pursuing, the ability to lead, work, and communicate effectively with different people is crucial.  LDC gives students the opportunity to receive feedback in the most honest way possible, so we can develop ourselves before we go out into the workforce."

Luke Mataxas

  “When I first heard of the center I thought it was a great opportunity. I realize that an opportunity where professionals come in and sit down for a day to evaluate you is something that is typically only for executives. When I got there it was worth the hype. I remember going through these different simulations and thinking to myself, this could totally be a real life scenario. The feedback that I got was unbelievably helpful and thorough. It is a really special opportunity and I think every student should do it if they get the chance.”

Jocelin Linares

"I definitely recommend that students apply and go through the LDC because there is so much that relates not only to the interview setting, but when you land the job and start working. Take advantage of the resources. Apply and get genuine feedback that you won't get in an interview."