▍Background

The University of Washington (UW) Intercollegiate Athletic Leadership (IAL) master's degree program epitomizes the new style of learning. Students begin with an intensive 8-week academic curriculum. Then gain relevant, real-world experience through internships in colleges, universities and sports organizations across the country.

Most master’s programs take two years to complete. The IAL degree is completed in one. The first challenge for faculty and advisors is to help students establish a constructive learning cohort in a compressed timeframe.

▍Solutions

Students come from a variety of backgrounds, and they come in with a lot of great ideas. The Fierce models help them express those ideas and work well in groups—openly, honestly and directly.

The concepts we teach students are the same concepts taught to executives around the world.

We don't Just prepare our students for the classroom; we prepare them for the real world. We give them current tools for today's workforce that grow with them as they gain seniority.

Students learn to lead in entry-level positions as well as when they assume senior leadership roles.

▍Results

Lopez and Antony have received many compliments about the professionalism of their students. Interactions have improved and students are more comfortable seeking out diverse perspectives and asking tough questions.

Finally, students have a greater understanding of the potential of every conversation. They are prepared to connect, collaborate and challenge each other. Most importantly, they have a true understanding of the Fierce philosophy: “While no single conversation is guaranteed to change the trajectory of a career, a business, or a life, any single conversation can."