Clarkson University Graduate Student Leadership Academy Now Offered as Microcredential
Clarkson University’s Graduate Student Leadership Academy is expanding its impact by becoming a microcredential, giving graduate students a new way to formally document and showcase their leadership development.
The program, offered through Clarkson’s Graduate School and led by local leadership development consultant Abrahm DiMarco of DiMarco Consulting, is open to all master’s and Ph.D. students. The academy consists of four interactive sessions, each lasting two hours, designed to help students build practical leadership and communication skills they can apply in academic, research and professional settings.
Clarkson began offering the leadership academy in Spring 2022, and the program was recently enhanced with the option for participants to earn a microcredential — a short, skills-focused credential that verifies specific knowledge and competencies. Microcredentials provide students with a digital badge that can be shared on résumés, LinkedIn profiles and professional portfolios to demonstrate verified skills to employers.
This semester marked the second time the leadership academy has been offered as a microcredential.
A total of 28 graduate students participated this year, representing a diverse global cohort from 10 countries including Nepal, Zimbabwe, India, Pakistan, Ghana, Jordan, Malawi, Zambia, Sri Lanka and the United States.
Throughout the program, students explored topics such as the definition of leadership, resiliency, communication styles, public speaking and strategies for giving constructive feedback. Participants also completed the T.E.A.M. Communication Style Assessment, which helps individuals better understand how they interact and communicate with others.
The academy emphasizes hands-on learning through small- and large-group discussions, role-playing exercises, videos and practical activities designed to simulate real-world leadership scenarios.
For Mwaphira Pitilizani, the program provided a meaningful opportunity for personal growth.
“The Leadership Academy has helped me grow in confidence, clarity and intentionality,” Pitilizani said. “Understanding myself better has made me more intentional in how I lead and how I communicate with others.”
MBA student Shradha Bajgain said the experience demonstrated how leadership concepts apply beyond the classroom.
“One of the most powerful lessons that will stay with me is the importance of stepping into others’ shoes,” Bajgain said. “Recognizing and adapting to different communication styles reduces conflict, strengthens collaboration and builds trust within teams.”
Another participant, Francis Tambo, described the academy as a transformative experience that encouraged reflection on leadership and teamwork.
“I learned that a good leader communicates intentionally, inspires and builds collaborative teams,” Tambo said.
By offering the Graduate Student Leadership Academy as a microcredential, Clarkson continues to expand opportunities for students to gain industry-relevant skills while earning credentials that highlight their leadership potential.
