Coach UT

Coach UT provides students with free, executive-quality leadership coaching from professionals who typically work with executives and senior leaders. Through five virtual coaching sessions over the course of a semester, participants set leadership goals, strengthen their self-awareness, and develop the skills needed to lead with greater confidence and purpose.

Coach UT is designed for a wide range of participants including student organization leaders, student employees, emerging leaders, students preparing for internships, and students wanting to develop their leadership confidence. While no prior leadership experience is required, we look for participants who are committed to personal growth and active engagement in the coaching process.

Program Components

Five one-hour virtual coaching sessions focused on your personal growth
Coach UT Kickoff to learn about the program and connect with your peers
Coach UT Celebration Dinner to reflect on your experience and growth
Optional leadership workshop series to further develop your interpersonal skills
Opportunity to earn up to two micro credentials that can be displayed on LinkedIn

Potential Coaching Topics

Boosting leadership confidence
Leading groups or teams
Navigating conflict productively
Improving communication skills
Time management strategies
Advocating for yourself
Goal setting and prioritization
Aligning actions with values
Critical thinking and problem solving

How to Participate

The application to participate in Coach UT this fall is now closed. To be contacted about future leadership coaching opportunities starting in Spring 2027, fill out this brief interest form.

Student Testimonies

1 / 3

"I was a little bit hesitant stepping into this program because I wasn't sure what to expect, and I didn't know if this was for me. Once I had my first session with my coach, my expectations changed! It was so refreshing to step into something that I felt like I could lead but also receive valuable feedback from. My coach was absolutely amazing and really helped me step into my full potential, and I'm grateful for this experience!"

– Fall 2025 Participant

2 / 3

"In our end-of-semester reflection, I realized just how much I've learned over the past few months. I used to feel pressure to be a "perfect" person, but I'm starting to understand that imperfections are part of what makes us human. There are bigger themes in life, growth, connection, purpose, resilience, than the narrow things we sometimes tie our self-worth to. I also learned a lot about vulnerability and how integral it is to build strong, healthy relationships."

– Fall 2025 Participant

3 / 3

"Self-development isn't something most of us are taught, especially as young adults. There's no curriculum for it. We all come from very different backgrounds and depending on where you grew up or how you were raised, you may have never been exposed to the idea that there are actual skills and tools for becoming a better version of yourself. A lot of people do that work alone, or not at all. So having access to this kind of structured, intentional support feels like a real gift."

– Spring 2026 Participant

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is leadership coaching?

In alignment with the International Coaching Federation's definition of coaching, leadership coaching can be defined as a transformative journey where you discover your true leader potential. By participating in Coach UT, you will become more self-aware of your strengths and areas of growth and develop the skills needed to lead with confidence.

What makes coaching different?

Leadership coaching is a bit different from other one-to-one support programs, like therapy, mentorship, consulting, and counseling. In this program, you'll take lead of your coaching sessions and identify topics you'd like to explore with the guidance of your coach. Coaches don't tell their student clients what to do but instead create a warm and welcoming environment where you can explore your thoughts and come to conclusions about how to achieve your goals.

Who are the coaches?

Our coaches are International Coaching Federation credentialed professionals who work with executive leaders nationwide. Their coaching approach is informed by their education, training, ethical standards, and experiences.

What is the program time commitment?

In total, participants can expect to spend 7-10 hours across the semester participating in Coach UT. This accounts for the five required coaching sessions, a one-hour kickoff event, an end-of-semester dinner, and optional development opportunities. There is a lot of flexibility in when you complete your required coaching sessions. Students schedule sessions based on their own availability, with consideration of their course schedule and other commitments.

How much is required of me between sessions?

True leadership growth happens through reflection and application. We encourage our participants to apply their takeaways in between coaching sessions to their daily lives. Ultimately, the value you gain from Coach UT is directly connected to your level of engagement.

What can I expect as outcomes from the program?

Coach UT is a customizable program where you, the participant, get to set your own goals. Previous participants have left Coach UT with greater confidence to speak up in meetings, improved conflict management skills, better team leadership, and stronger communication skills for the workplace.

I just applied for Coach UT. What happens next?

Our program staff will review your application and send you an email regarding your application status two weeks after your submission. If you are accepted into the program, you will be asked to attend a required Coach UT Kickoff event to learn more about the program expectations and begin to set you leadership goals.

How will this program help me professionally?

The skills you will develop by participating in this program (e.g., communication, self-awareness, goal setting, conflict management, etc.) are highly valued by employers and graduate programs. Through Coach UT, you will practice tangible strategies that you can discuss in interviews and apply directly in the workplace.