Dampak Program Future Leaders dari AIESEC (Association Internationale Des Etudians En Sciences Economique Et Commerciales) Cabang Universitas Sumatera Utara dalam Meningkatkan Relasi Sosial dan Kepemimpinan Mahasiswa

Abstract

In the era of Industry 4.0, leadership development and social skills have become increasingly essential, especially among the youth. This aligns with global challenges that demand adaptability, cross-cultural collaboration, and effective communication. This study aims to examine the impact of the AIESEC Future Leaders program on the development of leadership and social skills among participants at Universitas Sumatera Utara. The focus of the research is on participants who lack natural leadership talent or family backgrounds supportive of leadership roles. This research employs a qualitative method through in-depth interviews, observations, and documentation. Key informants include the Head of the AIESEC Future Leaders program and program mentors, while primary informants consist of program participants actively engaged in its activities. Additional informants, such as close associates of the participants, provide supplementary perspectives on the changes experienced. The findings indicate that the AIESEC Future Leaders program successfully fosters leadership and social skill development among participants. Through training, mentoring, and project-based group experiences, participants demonstrated improvements in self-confidence, communication skills, teamwork, and cross-cultural adaptability. The program effectively addressed challenges such as participants' initial lack of confidence and decision-making abilities by creating a supportive learning environment. This study concludes that leadership is not merely an innate talent but a skill that can be developed through systematically designed social experiences. The AIESEC Future Leaders program serves as a tangible example of how targeted interventions can produce future leaders equipped to navigate global challenges.