From peer leader to capable graduate: professional identity construction in ‘contributing graduate’ peer leaders

While there is extensive data detailing the transformation of neophyte peer leaders, few studies have considered the reward and recognition of maturing peer leaders through their continued growth in leadership capacity. Although underrepresented in the literature, these maturing leaders extend the benefits of peer leadership beyond the first-year experience, potentially pollinating life-long learning facilitators and leaders within their university, workplace, and/or communities. Our initiative aimed to understand the process and motivations that transform a student from volunteer peer leader to capable graduate as characterized in the QUT Peer Leader Capacity Building Model. Incorporating learnings from our AFHEA peer leader pilot project, we designed a self-reflection tool through which graduating peer leaders can articulate, evidence, and leverage their leadership capacities as emerging professional practitioners