LEAD ( A goal-oriented, expert-led Career Development Program by KANJ)
Program Lead: Sreekumar K Santhabai 

Learn | Execute | Adapt | Develop

LEAD is a career development program is designed to help college students and professionals re-entering the workforce after a career break to set and achieve a short-term goal with the guidance of experienced domain experts. Through structured sessions, networking opportunities, and personalized guidance, participants will develop key skills to navigate their career paths successfully.  The program participants are referred as Associates, while the domain experts are referred as SMEs( Subject Matter Experts).

1. Program Objectives

• Support college students in transitioning from education to career.

• Assist professionals re-entering the workforce after a career break.

• Provide mentorship, skill development, and networking opportunities.

2. Program Structure

Duration: 9 Months (April 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025)

• This year, we will launch a pilot program with a maximum of five associates.

Preparation Phase (March 1 – 31, 2025)

• Open LEAD Associate applications and invite SME volunteers with relevant expertise to sign up.

• Match Associates and SMEs based on career interests, experience, and goals.

• Assign a CGFG (Career Guidance Focus Group) member as the LEAD Coordinator (LC) for each Associate-SME pair.

Phase 1: Onboarding & Goal Setting (April 2025)

• Kickoff Session: A virtual session led by a CGFG member to set expectations and outline the program framework.

• Goal Setting: Associates define their mentorship objectives with SME's guidance and create a detailed action plan.

• Communication Plan: Establish meeting frequency (biweekly/monthly) and mode (Zoom, phone, in-person), with virtual meetings recommended.

• Documentation: Associates document their goals, communication plan, and action steps, obtain SME's approval, and share the details with the LC.

Phase 2: Skill Development & Career Exploration (Months 2–9)

• SMEs and Associates meet as per the agreed communication plan to collaborate on action items.

• Associates document their progress, secure SME's approval, and submit updates to the LC monthly.

• The LC schedules quarterly virtual review meetings with mentors and mentees.

Phase 3: Program Conclusion

• Final Review: Assess progress on goals established in Phase 1.

• Graduation & Reflection: Conduct a closing event featuring mentee presentations and feedback collection.

3. Roles & Responsibilities

SMEs:

• Offer industry insights and career guidance.

• Support mentees in building confidence and professional skills.

• Facilitate networking opportunities when relevant.

Associates:

• Take initiative in scheduling meetings and setting learning objectives.

• Actively apply feedback and engage in career development.

• Participate in networking and training opportunities suggested by the SME.

LEAD Coordinator (LC):

• Oversee mentor-mentee matching and track progress.

• Collect feedback and refine the program based on insights.

• Organize training sessions, networking events, and check-ins.