Leadership Opportunities

Preparing the next generation of leaders

At O’Neill, leadership is integral to the learning experience. Our programs are designed to prepare you with the skills, competency, and courage to face society’s greatest challenges.

You will be challenged to develop your leadership philosophy and practice while being supported by O’Neill staff, faculty, and community partners.

Through leadership courses, workshops, learning communities, and professional internship programs, you can choose leadership each day to make a difference and discover what leading for the greater good means for you. 

We approach leadership as a:

  • Choice
  • Practice
  • Skill
  • Personal journey
  • Evolution
O'Neill smiles in front of a microphone

A real leader hungers for the responsibility of making a difference.

—Paul H. O’Neill

Opportunities for undergraduates

Three students on a bench in front of Briscoe, laughing.

Civic Leaders

Live together, learn together, and lead together at the Civic Leaders Center during your freshman year—and form lasting relationships in the process.

Indianapolis State House

O’Neill Leadership Program

Participate in professional development and service activities while interning with a local public or nonprofit organization through the O’Neill Leadership Program.

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NextGeneration Leadership Program

Join a network of future leaders and learn how to make public service part of your future career with classes, networking opportunities, and workshops through the NextGen Leadership Program.

Flag in front of the capital

Washington Leadership Program

With the Washington Leadership Program, you'll make Capitol Hill your classroom—complete an internship, network with alumni, and earn academic credit with a semester in Washington, D.C.

Opportunities for master's students

Group of grads in front of the O'Neill building

Leadership Seminar Series

Expand your leadership skills, knowledge, and confidence through the Leadership Seminar Series at O'Neill. 

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O’Neill Leadership Program

Apply your knowledge to real-world work settings in the community through the O’Neill Leadership Program. 

Long shot of nation's capitol on a sunny day.

Washington, D.C. Accelerator Program

Through the D.C. Accelerator Program, MPA students gain immersive experience in the nation's capitol during their second year.

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Global Leadership Program

Gain intensive, immersive, and impactful international internship experience related to your degree through the O'Neill Global Leadership Program.

O’Neill Student Leadership Award Honorees

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Daniela Castellanos

MPA-MSES candidate

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Zsofia Leary

Law and Public Policy major

Daniela Castellanos and Zsofia Leary have been named the inaugural recipients of the O’Neill Student Leadership Award. The award celebrates students who have demonstrated leadership, impact, and a commitment to O’Neill’s core values of learning, diversity, meaning, excellence, and well-being.