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Buenz acknowledged students arrive at the university with varying family environments and career goals. “I understand not all students come with equal motivation to be managers and leaders in their careers; however I believe the opportunities afforded them in these seminars will lead to the development of skills with both self-satisfying and monetary rewards.”

Mike Polcari, president of SEMATECH, a seminar participant and member of the advisory board echoed Buenz’s endorsement of leadership training.

“The Cockrell School’s leadership seminar offers a great opportunity for students to develop and nurture a critical skill set, and I was really pleased to see the high level of engagement at the first retreat,” said Polcari.

Polcari generously shared some of his hard-earned observations with students during dinner at the January retreat.

“Leadership in high-tech industries requires the right blend of technical knowledge and business acumen. Mastering technical content is necessary, but not sufficient, for students looking to succeed in the marketplace of advanced and emerging technologies. It also takes leadership, and leadership is a function of both nature and nurture,” Polcari said.

Jim Weithorn, chairman of Haag Engineering Co. and another advisory board participant offered other encouragement to students in his group. Understand that you will encounter challenges and not always have the right answer, he said. “Anybody who hasn’t failed doesn’t exist.”

Four Ramshorn Retreats remain. Although registration spots for the Feb. 29 event have been filled, freshmen may register for March 20, 28 or April 3.

Jake and Jane, (fictitious names for real participants) like their peers who completed end-of-session surveys, recommend the experience. The most common theme recalled by these freshmen as they left: “Leaders help bring out the full potential of their followers.”

To learn more about the Cockrell School of Engineering go to http://www.engr.utexas.edu/.