Leadership Compass

Take a deep dive into who you are as a leader, have access to world class leadership development and engage in a community that will last a lifetime. We are delighted to offer this opportunity for undergraduates. This program is an unique opportunity that gives students a path to participate in McNulty Leadership Programs that is intentional, built within a strong community and armored with exceptional leaders.

Why participate in the Leadership Compass?

  • Upon completing the Leadership Compass, students will receive an achievement certificate from the Anne and John McNulty Leadership Program at the Wharton School, a highly regarded program acknowledged by the University of Pennsylvania.
  • Boost your resume with leadership skills and experiences that provide you with a competitive edge in the workforce in business and beyond.
  • Gain hands-on experience and acquire the skills necessary to become a stronger leader in your community. 
  • Have access to mentorship and a community that supports your growth as a leader and personal goals. 
  • Engage in a meaningful peak experience that synthesizes your compass experience through civic engagement and community. 

Where can I use the skills I learn in the Leadership Compass?

The tools you gain from this experience can be applied immediately to your interactions at Wharton, during your internships, when working within a group or on a team, or learning how to communicate your vision and who you are as a leader. These are skills for life. 

Program Curriculum

Community-based learning experience for undergraduates to deepen the skills in leadership development and create meaningful relationships. The Leadership Compass is conducted over the fall and spring semester. Students will participate in structured activities with the Leadership Compass community, in small learning teams, and through targeted development areas. In order to complete the program, students must participate the following activities with the Leadership Compass community in the Fall 2023 – Spring 2024 academic year.

*Blue highlight indicates an activity that is scheduled by the student learning team to accommodate the group members’ schedules
*Red highlight indicates an opportunity for a choice of activities for the individual to participate in for the program.

Foundational Programming

OrientationSeptember 19, 2023 6:00 -7:30 pmIntroduction and overview of the program. Evening event.
Compass Team FormationSeptember 23, 2023Full day experience of building a community while engaging in fun activities and forming the learning teams. Program held at the Discover Center Challenge Course
Learning Team P3 DiscussionsOctober - November 2023Five self-facilitated group discussions based on the P3 Program for Undergraduates. In these discussions, individuals will gain a deeper understanding of success and happiness, and how these relate to their goals. Students are grouped with their Compass Learning Team and set their own time and meeting location.
Compass SummitNovember 2023At the end of the first semester, we will host a community event for all Compass members. The event will include discussions on current leadership topics and offer an opportunity for members to socialize. Event date and location will be determined at a later time.

Core Leadership Experiences

Leadership Workshops & WLV IntensivesFall 2023 - Spring 2024Targeted leadership development workshops and/or Immersive team based outdoor experiences. Student has choice of experiences over the course of the fall and spring semester to complete the Leadership Compass. Students are only required to attend one of the workshop or intensives to complete the program.
Learning Team Group CoachingJanuary - March 2024Compass Learning Teams work with an Executive Coach in sessions focused on skills and behaviors to develop their individual leadership abilities. Teams work with Executive Coach to set time and meeting location for four meetings in the Spring.

Leadership in Action

Peak ExperienceApril 20-21, 2024A two-day outdoor leadership experience that provides students an opportunity to serve in a designated role, stretch themselves in an immersive group experience, and engage in a service-oriented project. This experience is only offered to students participating in the Leadership Compass. The experience will include a celebration in the completion of the program. Location TBD.

Ready to Apply?

This program is open to all Wharton sophomores, juniors, and seniors. You do not need to have previous leadership experience to be selected. We are looking for individuals who are driven to develop their leadership capability and represent the values of the McNulty Leadership Program.

Want to learn more

Join us for an information session on Thu September 7, from 6:00 – 7:30 pm.

Have Questions?

Amanda Zimmerman, Director
amandaz@wharton.upenn.edu

Nox Richmond, Program Coordinator
nayrich@wharton.upenn.edu