Sabrina Urban is a Junior in the BS in Hotel and Tourism Management at the Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality. This semester, after a competitive application process, she was selected to enroll in the prestigious University Leadership Honors Course. In this post, she tells us more about her experience in the course.
What is the University Leadership Honors Course, and why is it such a coveted course for students?
The University Leadership Honors Course is focused on high-achieving sophomores and juniors at NYU, giving us the unique opportunity to explore the theory and practice of leadership. This semester, there are about twenty-four students in our class spread across eleven of the NYU schools. I am proud to represent the Tisch Center as well as the School of Professional Studies. This course is highly coveted as we have the amazing opportunity to not only participate in interactive class discussions but get to meet with top-level leaders and academics throughout different industries.
What topics have you covered in the course? What have you enjoyed about the course so far?
Throughout the course so far, we have been focusing on activities regarding the three characteristics of effective leadership, interaction with leaders from different settings, and leadership development. Much of our discussion is based on Peter G. Northhouse’s Leadership textbook, which allows us to understand the key concepts and different theories about leadership. We also got to meet with the Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Scholars in the United Arab Emirates, to share in discussions and hear other perspectives. In addition to our readings and discussions, we practice different public speaking exercises almost every week, ranging from impromptu speeches to enhancing our elevator pitch. With each practice, I feel more and more confident in my abilities to address a room, whether that be on the spot or with much preparation. My favorite part of the course has been all the amazing guest speakers that have joined us from various sectors. For the second half of every class, we have an extraordinary leader speak to us: this semester, examples have been including the Rockefeller Fellows, Lisa Springer, Jon Marsh, David Schachter, Imam Latif, Rabbi Sarna, Anna Deveare Smith, Hector Tobar, and many more to come!
What do you hope to take away from this course?
From this course, I hope to walk away with more self-awareness, professional growth, stronger communication, and the skill set to be an effective leader. I have already learned so much about myself and what types of effective leadership work best with my personality. I now want to take these lessons into situations where different personalities come together and know how to change and adapt my leadership style to accommodate all. I will forever cherish the lessons we learn not only from Professor Yu but from all the leaders that have come to our class. I hope to go into any professional situation with confidence in my abilities and an open understanding of the people around me.
What are your plans for the future?
I plan to apply these skills in any hospitality position where my career takes me. I want to continue to have an active role in Leadership at NYU. I am currently Secretary for Hospitality Business Society and plan to run for a position on the E-Board again for my Senior year. Additionally, I am interning at Boutique Lifestyle Leadership Association this semester and hope to continue gaining internship experience within different hospitality fields throughout my time at NYU. I plan to graduate from the Tisch Center next year in May of 2022 following my dreams of working in our amazing industry!
Is there anything else you would like to share?
I would like to thank the Tisch Center for providing me with amazing opportunities such as the University Leadership Honors Course and Dr. Minnaert for having the confidence in my skill set to succeed in this challenging course. I am beyond grateful and excited to be a part of this program!