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Student Experiences

At the Larsen Leaders Academy, leadership isn’t just taught — it’s lived. Through powerful experiences and intentional programming, our students engage with top industry professionals and grow through service, reflection and mentorship. Whether it is exploring the beaches of Normandy, engaging with industry leaders at Daniels Summit or developing financial literacy in local classrooms, every experience is designed to challenge perspectives, build character and strengthen leadership at its core. Our curriculum and community-driven experiences ensure Larsen students don't just prepare for the future, they lead it.

Transformational Experiences

Coast of Normandy

Normandy

Diving into history and teamwork, Normandy provides pivotal sites of World War II. This astonishing trip is a once-in-a-lifetime experience exposing students to critical real-world problems and demonstrating how strong leadership is vital in any environment.

Memorial building at Gettysburg

Gettysburg

Participants study historical leaders on the very grounds where President Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address and are put in situations similar to those faced by military leaders during the decisive battle of the Civil War.

Students and staff in Belfast

Belfast

At the immersive Belfast experience, students have opportunities to study where the Titanic was designed and built. With a focus on the successes and failures of a famous point in history, participants gain insight into leadership, decision-making, change management and story crafting.

Visitor guide speaking to students in workshop

Camp Tecumseh

At Camp Tecumseh, students explore leadership through reflection and connection with nature. They uncover their hidden strengths through the Reflective Best Self Exercise and embrace the power of courage and curiosity. Surrounded by inspiring peers, they discover what it means to lead by example.

Signature Events

Students shakes hand with executive

Daniels Leads

Daniels Leads is the premier executive speaker event presented by the Larsen Leaders Academy and Purdue Women in Business. Each year, the Academy and WIB host three executive speakers to share their knowledge about leadership with students at Purdue. This business professional event exists for students, alumni and faculty to learn from executive leaders, network with peers and professionals and ultimately develop students both within Daniels and across the Purdue campus.

group of students at service event

Service Events

The Larsen Leaders Academy is committed to service, using business knowledge to make a meaningful impact. Through Junior Achievement, students mentor and inspire young minds, helping them develop financial literacy and business skills. As we continue to expand our service initiatives, we seek new opportunities to engage with the community and create lasting change. By giving back, Larsen students not only strengthen their leadership skills, but also uphold a tradition of service that extends beyond the classroom.

Large group of students holding Larsen sign

Community Events

The Larsen Leaders Academy hosts signature community events that foster meaningful connections among students, alumni and professionals. From casual outings like Black 9 golfing and Pacers games to engaging fall and spring kickoffs, these events create opportunities for networking and camaraderie. Summer toasts in nearby cities further strengthen the Larsen community, allowing students and alumni to reconnect and build relationships beyond campus. These experiences help cultivate a strong, supportive network that lasts well beyond graduation.

Larsen Academy Mentorship Program (LAMP)

Smiling students at Daniels Send Off event

Daniels Send-Off

This event is a gathering honoring outgoing students and recognizing their leadership journey within the academy. In the spirit of reflection and transition, this event provides a meaningful opportunity for graduating Larsen members to connect with peers, faculty and mentees one last time. Featuring speeches from esteemed student leaders, acknowledgments of individual growth and words of encouragement for the future, the Daniels Send-Off captures the essence of the Larsen Leaders Academy.

Two students on trip

Personalized Mentorship

The Larsen Leaders Academy Mentorship Program connects incoming business students with experienced Larsen members, providing them with a dedicated upperclassman mentor. Mentors provide personalized guidance on academics, professional development and campus involvement, helping mentees navigate their journeys at Purdue with confidence. This program fosters a strong, supportive community across members, ensuring students build connections and make the most of their experience in the Daniels School of Business.

Larsen members in classroom

Curriculum

Our four-session curriculum equips first-semester freshmen with essential professional development skills, giving them a competitive edge within the Daniels School. Covering key topics like resume crafting, LinkedIn optimization, networking fundamentals and career fair preparation, these sessions build a strong foundation for future success. After each session, students collaborate with their mentors on targeted assignments to refine their skills. Upon completion, students will gain access to exclusive Larsen recruiting opportunities such as Career Treks and networking sessions.

External Events

Larsen members seated at table during event

Daniels Summit

Daniels Summit is a leadership conference that brings together top student leaders, distinguished alumni and industry professionals for a day of dynamic conversations, workshops and networking. As an integral part of this prestigious event, the Larsen Leaders Academy plays a central role in its planning and execution. LLA students not only attend the summit to gain valuable insights into leadership, innovation, and global business trends, but also contribute as facilitators, moderators and ambassadors.

Large group of students at Wells Fargo office

Career Treks

Every semester, Larsen hosts career treks to top companies in cities such as Chicago, Indianapolis and Cincinnati. These trips give students the opportunity to connect with top employers and professionals and gain the information and skills necessary to land top internships. Companies take our students on facility tours, speak to them in panels or engage in cases that give insights into the business.

Larsen student giving workshop presentation

Workshops

To fully prepare students to take advantage of our other opportunities, Larsen offers developmental workshops where students will have the opportunity to augment essential recruiting and career skills. These sessions are taught by top upperclassmen who have secured full-time offers in their respective industries, as well as faculty members experienced in the recruiting industry. This curriculum builds off our LAMP program and provides students with the next step in their career journey.

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