WE LEAD FAQ
Discover answers to the most commonly asked questions about the WE LEAD Program. We hope this list provides you with an in-depth understanding of our program and how it can enrich your college experience.
1. Is WE LEAD a new program?
No, the WE LEAD program is in its third year of program offerings, meaning upon acceptance, you will instantly be part of a larger network.
2. Do you accept everyone?
No, the WE LEAD program is highly competitive and has a limited number of openings each year.
3. Why don’t you accept everyone who applies?
WE LEAD program participation is limited in order to develop deep relationships between cohort members, and allow for maximum personal leadership development.
4. Do I need to attend every day of the retreat?
Yes, each day of the retreat is carefully curated to help you discover, explore, and start you on your leadership journey.
5. Do I need to attend every workshop?
Yes, each workshop is carefully curated to help you discover, explore, and start you on your leadership journey.
6. What is the workload for the program?
The program is the equivalent of a one-credit course – attendance is required for all programming.
7. I am a first-year or second-year student, can I apply?
Yes, however, we strongly encourage you to wait until your Junior or Senior year in order to get the most out of the program.
8. I am a graduate student, can I apply?
Yes, we encourage graduate students to apply, however, preference is given to Juniors and Seniors.
9. I am an international student, can I apply?
Yes! Diverse perspectives and lived experiences are invaluable to the leadership development process.
10. What genders can apply?
Applications are open to all students at Cornell studying in an engineering field, including women, female-identified, and non-binary people.
11. What will I get out of this program?
You will receive leadership development training that will increase your confidence, help you learn to use your power to be heard, and assist you in understanding how to navigate STEM field gender dynamics.
12. Will this program help me get a job?
This program is a leadership development program and is NOT a career development program. That said, many of our graduates report getting the jobs and/or leadership opportunities they want due to the skills they learned in the program.
13. Is this a career development program?
No, WE LEAD is a leadership development program. That said, many of our graduates report getting the jobs and/or leadership opportunities they want due to the skills they learned in the program.
14. What is the difference between a leadership development program and a career development program?
Leadership development focuses on YOU, working on skills that develop your understanding of self, expanding your capacity for leadership, enhancing your confidence, and supporting you in using your power. Career development focuses on deliverables (such as resumes), hard skills (such as interviewing), and preparing you for a specific field of work. WE LEAD is a leadership development program.
15. What does a successful application look like?
A successful application helps reviewers understand you, your authentic self, and your reasons for wanting to join the program.
16. Do I need to have held leadership positions in order to apply?
No, we welcome people anywhere along their leadership journey. However, you likely already have leadership experience even if you don’t view it as such – we all lead from time to time across all aspects of our life – home, school, work, extracurriculars, volunteering, etc.
17. Is there a minimum GPA for acceptance?
No, there is no minimum GPA for acceptance. However, you should be in good academic standing and be able to balance the demands of WE LEAD with your other classwork and commitments.
18. If selected, do I need to pay money to participate in WE LEAD?
NO! The $5,000 WE LEAD program fee is covered for each participant by generous donations from alumni and community partners.
Still have an unanswered question? Please don’t hesitate to email us at: engineering_leaders@cornell.edu