You don’t need a title or previous leadership experience to be a leader on campus. Whether you want to meet people, make a difference, earn money, build your resume or get more involved in the CU Boulder community, there are plenty of ways to build leadership skills. 

Not sure where to start? Explore these student leadership opportunities at CU Boulder and find an option that fits your interests and goals. 

  Take on a student leadership role 

Want hands-on experience working with other Buffs? Student leadership positions let you build skills like communication, teamwork, problem-solving and event planning while making an impact on campus. 

• Sko Serve site leader: Plan and lead a spring break service trip for fellow students. 

• Residential student leaders: Live and work in the residence halls, support fellow Buffs and help create an inclusive residential community. 

• Journey leader: Welcome new Buffs to CU Boulder, meet new people and help students find their place on campus. 

• ASAP tutor mentor: Get paid to tutor and mentor students living in the residence halls and first-year students. 

Student organizations, fraternities and sororities also offer opportunities to lead. Depending on the group, you might organize events, manage a budget, recruit members, run communications or help set the organization’s direction. 

Explore student organizations on BuffConnect to find groups that match your interests. 

  Build your skills through a leadership program 

Leadership programs can help you develop new skills, connect with other students and learn more about the kind of leader you want to be. 

• CU GOLD: Build leadership skills through different program paths and opportunities. 

• Bloom: Student organization leaders can connect with a peer mentor or mentee to exchange advice, support each other’s goals and grow together. and grow together. 

• EcoReps: Build leadership and sustainability skills through workshops, field trips, volunteer opportunities and hands-on projects while helping create positive change in your residence hall community. 

  Get leadership experience through a campus job 

Want to build experience and earn money? An on-campus student job can be a great place to start. 

Student jobs can help you develop transferable skills like communication, time management, teamwork and problem-solving. Some positions also give you opportunities to train others, lead projects or take on more responsibility over time. 

Search Handshake for on-campus student jobs and look for roles that match your interests, schedule and career goals. 

  Use your voice on a board or committee 

If you have ideas about how to make CU Boulder better, consider joining a student board, council or committee. These groups give students opportunities to advocate for their peers, help make decisions, plan programs and shape the campus experience. 

Depending on what you’re interested in, you can: 

• Plan programs and events: The Center for Student Involvement Board, Cultural Events Board and Distinguished Speakers Board offer opportunities to help bring events, speakers and experiences to campus. 

• Represent other students: CU Student Government, the Residence Hall Association, the Off-Campus Life Board and Senior Class Council give students a voice in the CU Boulder experience. 

• Shape campus spaces and services: The CUSG Recreation Board and UMC Board help students contribute to decisions about important campus spaces and resources. 

• Make an impact through sustainability and service: The Environmental Center Board and Service Learning & Impact in Community Engagement Joint Board connect leadership with environmental, service and community issues. 

• Recognize residential leaders: The National Residence Hall Honorary recognizes students and staff who demonstrate leadership and service in CU Boulder residence hall communities. 

Explore the individual boards and committees to learn about eligibility, time commitments and how to get involved. 

  Lead in everyday moments 

Leadership doesn’t always come with a position or title. You can lead by welcoming someone new, speaking up when something isn’t right, helping a classmate, making your organization more inclusive or looking out for another Buff. 

The Colorado Creed reminds us that our choices and actions help shape our community. Learn how to be an effective bystander, recognize concerning situations and get help when someone may need it. 

  Turn your experience into career skills 

The skills you build through campus involvement—communication, collaboration, decision-making, problem-solving and project management—can also help prepare you for internships and jobs. 

Career Services can help you identify the skills you’re developing and show you how to communicate those experiences on your resume and in interviews. 

  Find your next opportunity 

There’s no single way to be a leader at CU Boulder. Start with something that matters to you, whether that’s supporting other Buffs, getting involved in an organization, earning money through a campus job or helping shape the university community. 

Learn more about getting involved this fall: 

• Check out upcoming student events. 

• Download the CU Boulder Life app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. 

• Follow @CUBoulderLife on Instagram, Facebook and X.