The UNCF Student Leadership Conference: Shaping Future Leaders

We’re going to take them from dealing with their own inner development and mental health to speaking, speaking well, communications, and how to negotiate. — Taliah Givens-Senior Director of UNCF Student Professional Development Programs

UNCF, the United Negro College Fund, is hosting the 15th Annual Student Leadership Conference — a pivotal yearly event for students of color who are aspiring to excel in their internships and early careers in corporate environments. Speaking with Taliah Givens-UNCF, the Senior Director of Student Professional Development Programs, explains, “At this year’s conference, we will have the largest number of in-person students interns from across the country, students of color coming together to get prepared to be launched into their internships, as well as early careers.”

The leadership conference is being hosted from May 28 to May 30th in Arlington, Virginia.

This year's conference highlights the organization’s mission to provide a launching pad for these students. One of the key components of the conference is the business simulation, which Taliah emphasized as “an essential part because we want to make sure that students feel comfortable and confident going into their workspaces and places.” This simulation addresses a significant gap, especially for students who graduated during the COVID-19 pandemic and missed out on real-life experiences. Taliah notes that “we want to make sure that students feel comfortable and confident going into their workspaces and places.”

The simulation allows students to practice crucial skills such as meeting new people, collaborating, public speaking, and problem-solving in a simulated corporate setting. This hands-on experience is designed to alleviate imposter syndrome and prepare students for the realities of their future workplaces. This simulation aims to give students that extra push to realize they are ready and have what it takes to succeed.

Taliah Givens-Senior Director of UNCF Student Professional Development Programs

Jaydon Moland, a recent Morehouse graduate and former participant, shared his positive experience, revealing how the program helped him secure an internship. He recalls receiving guidance on interview skills, stating, “I remember my first few responses were not up to par.” The support and preparation he received significantly boosted his confidence. Jaydon also mentions the importance of networking and making his presence known, noting that it was “amazing to go to the conference and learn and hear more about finances or networking… just talking to people, letting them know what you need, what you want.” He also advises future attendees to “be on time… be open to meeting people… [and] taking more diligent notes,” these are valuable tips for making the most of the conference. His journey also shows growth where he says he would “just do my work, be there, not be vocal in meetings. However, after a while, I realized I was like, maybe I want a full-time job opportunity or extension on my internship.” Taliah further advises students to “be open, connect, and follow up with wonderful leaders that are there.” She emphasized the value of staying connected with both speakers and fellow students, as this network can be invaluable for future opportunities. Taliah states, “lean into that network when you’re looking for the next opportunities,” she describes that as “value that you bring on your resume”.

The conference is not just a one-time event but a platform for building lasting professional relationships. By actively engaging and following up, students can leverage this network to advance their careers. The work done at UNCF is very much needed with instilling the tools necessary to make it to the other side of imposter syndrome, building their net worth and networking skills, which will help them along their journey as many find their way into branching directions in their careers.

Jaydon Moland, a recent Morehouse graduate and former participant,

Learn more about UNCF and its programs by visiting https://uncf.org /