3 Non-Obvious Ways Teens Can Show Leadership

Leadership is a buzzword these days, and undoubtedly important for ultra-selective college admissions. But what if your kid isn’t a lock for class president or team captain? 

Here are three non-obvious ways that any motivated teen can show leadership:

1. Take the Lead in an Interest-Based Club

There’s only one class president, but every school club has leadership positions. And, depending what you do with it (e.g. regular meetings, projects, fundraisers), the role is every bit as valid and impressive. Club leadership is also a fantastic way to showcase deeper commitment to an interest.

Here’s another angle: there are a lot of class presidents applying to top schools. But how many presidents of the Dungeons & Dragons Club? Or the Cryptocurrency Mining and Investment Club? Very few. And if the club does not exist, try and form it!

Applicants to highly competitive schools need to look different. Think about showing your leadership skills in a less traditional way! It might even help you stand out from the crowd of other applicants.

2. Run a Project

Running a project, fundraiser or community-based initiative (among many others) is an amazing way to demonstrate that you are a self-starter who can organize people and get things done. Leadership is context-based. You don’t need a formal title to show that you have it.

This is exactly what colleges are looking for in prospective students. Planning, organizing and executing a project is hard. It’s also a fantastic way to demonstrate how you’ve made an impact on your community (however defined). You may even get an essay prompt on this topic in one of your applications!

3. Start and Run a Business

There’s never been a better time for a teenager to start and run a business. Organize your friends and promote your manual labor services; turn a hobby into a profit-making venture; or identify a need in your community and monetize the solution. 

There’s tons of free software out there to help you build a brand and a website, and to keep track of your billings and profits. Entrepreneurship is also a great way to connect with your larger community.

Starting and running a business shows initiative, and requires you to hone communication skills. If you are working with other people (including people who don’t work for you), there’s also a solid leadership angle.

Don’t fall into the trap of assuming that the only leadership roles that count are the obvious ones. There are infinite ways to develop and demonstrate leadership in the classroom, clubs and your community. Don’t get discouraged, get creative! 

P.S. There are tons of unique and interesting leadership activities in our amazing Extracurricular Database, as well as quick citizen science projects, competitions, publications and Standout Projects. Click here to learn more and help your teen make the most out of summer!