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Panelists at Hinckley Forum urge curiosity, preparation as paths into international work
Summary
At a University of Utah Hinckley Forum, ambassadors, military and trade practitioners told students that curiosity, preparation and networking matter more than a single credential. They outlined State Department hiring tracks, the Foreign Service exam, and practical steps students can take to enter global careers.
Ambassador Patrick Kennedy, a former U.S. foreign service officer and Undersecretary-level manager, told students at the Hinckley Institute of Politics that "the most important thing for all of us is to just have some intellectual curiosity and cultural understanding of where you're going in." The forum on international careers at the University of Utah on Jan. 29 drew experienced diplomats, a retired general and trade executives to give practical advice on entering global work.
Why it matters: Panelists said students often overemphasize a single credential and underappreciate on-the-job skills such as cultural adaptability, listening and networking. Those skills shape both entry-level hiring and long-term success in…
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