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by Bruce Deruntz (Author), Shannon Barrett (Author)
The Proven STEM Leadership Model Inspired by a Navy SEAL-And Built for the Workforce of Tomorrow
What if academic excellence isn't enough?
In today's job market, employers don't just want smart graduates-they need leaders. Work Ready reveals how one university solved this challenge by developing a leadership program that transforms engineering students into trusted, confident professionals. The secret? A Navy SEAL's legacy and a commitment to building more than technical skills.
This powerful book tells the story of how the Leadership Development Program (LDP) at Southern Illinois University Carbondale evolved into one of America's most effective STEM leadership pipelines. Inspired by the principles of US Navy SEAL William Bushelle-and shaped by years of educator and student innovation-this model has launched graduates into high-impact careers with a 96% job placement rate.
Inside, you'll discover:
- Why today's graduates are often unprepared for real-world work-and how to fix it
- The three essential phases of leadership development every STEM student must master
- How one SEAL's battlefield-tested principles were translated into university and industry success
- Real stories of students who went from hesitant freshmen to national robotics champions, project leaders, and confident change-makers
- Practical strategies to build trust, foster teamwork, and develop authentic, servant leaders-starting from day one
Backed by National Science Foundation research and real-world outcomes, the LDP has achieved:
- 94% career placement before graduation
- 20% faster career advancement than peers
- A 100% graduation rate for program graduates
- Over $2.3 million in documented cost savings for internship companies
- Four national robotics championships-and countless service projects
Whether you're a university leader, faculty member, mentor, or student, Work Ready offers a clear, practical blueprint to create future-proof leaders-ready to thrive in industry, serve in communities, and inspire in any team setting.
Work Ready isn't about adding one more course to the curriculum. It's about reshaping how we prepare students to lead, contribute, and succeed in the world that awaits them.
If you believe tomorrow's workforce deserves more than a diploma-this book is for you.
Buy your copy now and start building the next generation of STEM leaders-today.
