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Gordon–MIT Engineering Leadership Program

Q. Who are Gordon Engineering Leaders (GELs) and how will I benefit by becoming a GEL?

A. GELs come from all departments in the School of Engineering (as well as from a few other related disciplines) and include varsity athletes, leaders in MIT's Greek system and student government, performing artists, leaders of student teams (Design-Build-Fly, Solar Car, Formula SAE, Rocket Team), and others.

The program provides aspiring engineering undergraduate Juniors and Seniors realistic leadership and engineering experience during your time at MIT. The program also offers you exciting opportunities to develop essential engineering leadership skills, impact society, and plan for and strengthen your career options.

In GEL, you'll hone your leadership skills through an intensive combination of classroom activities and through a series of hands-on, real-life authentic engineering leadership challenges. GELs practice what they learn through complex problem-solving exercises and intensive evaluation, both by yourself and your teammates. Equally significant, the leadership skills you develop in the program are in an engineering context.

What's it like to be a GEL? Check out this blog by Stanley Gill (GEL '14)

Here are some of the benefits of becoming a GEL:

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Q. What will I learn in GEL?

A. During their time at MIT and after they graduate, GELs find that the leadership experiences, industry exposure, and industry networks they establish are beneficial as they pursue a career in industry. GELs also learn valuable personal and professional skills as they work on their Personal Leadership Development Plan (PLDP). Employers understand the importance of and actively recruit for entry-level engineers with demonstrated leadership and teamwork skills.

For a glimpse of the practical skills and experience GELs get in the program, look at the four–article series by GELs on engineering leadership in MIT's The Tech.

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Q. Where do GELs work in industry?

A. As a result of the engineering leadership training and development students get in GEL, you'll be prepared to work in almost any company. In addition to the companies shown below, GELs work at General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Airbus, Inc., Booz Allen Hamilton, PowerAdvocate, Levitronix, Pelton & Crane, and serve in the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy.

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Q. What are the requirements of GEL Year One and GEL Year Two?

A1. The extent to which you participate in GEL guides your requirements. Overall, each GEL year is designed to complement your existing academic obligations. We want to give you opportunities, not more requirements. But as with any real life undertaking, there are certain benchmarks you have to achieve to earn this credential.

Click here to see the requirements for successful completion of GEL Year One status (approximately the equivalent of an MIT concentration).

Click here to see the requirements for successful completion of GEL Year Two status (approximately the equivalent of an MIT minor).

This diagram shows how you may progress through GEL.

If possible, all entering GEL students should take a short subject during the Fall term.

As a GEL you'll also be expected to fulfill a service responsibility: e.g., leading/mentoring project–based subjects in your major or for freshmen, national outreach for the program, operation of the program, future mentoring of students as alumni/ae, etc.

Read more about GEL requirements in the GEL handbook.

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Q. When and where do the GEL short subjects meet in the 2012–13 academic year? What courses do I need to take to fulfill my GEL requirements?

A. For Spring 2013, the Gordon–MIT Engineering Leadership Program offers the following short subjects:

  • "Engineering Innovation & Design" (ESD.051/6.902): In the Spring of 2013, this short subject (a 9–unit course) meets in 32–141 on MW 3–5 PM. ESD.051 is a required short subject for GEL 1s.
  • "Project Management" (1.040): Meets Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30–11:00 AM, in 5–134. The recitation is on Mondays, 2:00–3:00 PM, in 3-370. (Note: This short subject is the ONLY alternative for ESD.052.)
  • "Engineering Leadership Lab" (ESD.050): Meets Fridays 9:00–11:00 AM, 1:00–3:00 PM, and 3:00–5:00 PM in 32–144. (Note: ESD.050 is open only to students actively enrolled in the GEL program.)

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    Q. How does the Gordon–MIT Engineering Leadership Program define the "engineering practice project"?

    A. While you're in GEL, you're expected to participate:

    To attain GY1 status you are required to participate in at least one engineering practice project; to attain GY2 status you are required to participate in at least two engineering practice projects.

    Each engineering practice project experience allows more opportunities to practice skills you learn in GEL, and each is followed by reflection in engineering leadership labs and in discussions with your mentor.

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    Q. How does my service responsibility factor into my Gordon-MIT Engineering Leadership Program requirements?

    A. Students who intend to earn GEL Certificates of Completion will have service responsibilities, for example:

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    Q. What is the Engineering Leadership Lab (ELL) and when and where does it meet in the Spring 2013 semester?

    A. GELs participate actively in weekly Engineering Leadership Labs. ELLs feature relevant, authentic (sometimes even fun!) leadership activities embedded in phases of engineering product development, to allow you to practice the engineering leader capabilities you'll need to succeed in your engineering career.

    During the Spring 2013 semester, the ELL (for admitted GELs only) meets three times on Friday in room 32-144 (GELs are required to attend only one session/Friday): 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM, 1:00 - 3:00 PM, or 3:00 - 5:00 PM.

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    Q. How do I attain recognition as a Gordon Engineering Leader?

    A. As a GEL, you'll:

    Students will be recognized (at least initially) by a formal ceremony and Certificate of Completion (and the ability to cite this accomplishment on your resume).

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    Q. How do I enter GY1?

    In addition to the short application and a brief in-person interview, entering GY1 requires a prerequisite of engineering practice experience, which could be fulfilled through one of the following two methods:

    — UPOP full-year program; Fall and Spring sessions, IAP session, Summer industry internship, Fall reflection events

    — Experience on an engineering project in an industrial or academic setting. (Note: Students fulfilling the prerequisite this way may additionally be asked to complete one or more UPOP activities or assignments, such as Spring sessions, Summer industry internship, Summer internship journal, Fall reflection events, etc.)

    GY2 builds on what you learned in GY1 and augments these elective courses by incorporating a InternshipPlus experience and personalized leadership development activities with a high degree of interaction among industry leaders, faculty, and fellow students.

    Program staff are always available to answer any questions or address any issues you may have.

    This diagram shows how you may progress through both years of GEL.

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    Q. How do I apply to advance to GY2?

    Students in good standing in GY1 are invited to apply to advance to GY2. Generally this takes place in early Spring. This is the process through which students apply to advance to GEL Year Two (seniors can apply if they will still be at MIT next year).

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    Q. What is the Industry Advisory Board and who's on it?

    A. The Industry Advisory Board is a select group of engineering industry leaders who advise and mentor Gordon Engineering Leadership candidates, provide critical guidance to program faculty and staff, and define/assist with industry projects. The IAB meets (at least) quarterly to discuss program issues. Currently, the members of the IAB include:

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    Q. What is the Faculty Advisory Board and who's on it?

    The Faculty Advisory Board is a select group of MIT faculty who provide critical academic-related guidance to program faculty and staff, define/assist with students' project-based learning experiences, and promote the Program to appropriate MIT faculty. The FAB meets periodically to discuss program issues. Currently, the members of the FAB include:

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