Hood Students Attend Osgood Professional Development Program

A group of nine Hood College students have joined participants from around the world for a leadership program at the Osgood Center for International Studies in Washington, D.C. Part of the Osgood Professional Development Program, “Preparing to Lead” builds on the partnership between the Osgood Center and Hood College Department of Political Science and Global Studies, which has seen students attend the Summer Symposium on Foreign Policy as well as a Model UN training.

Sessions for the leadership program included a wide range of renowned guest speakers from organizations such as Google, Rotary Club of Washington, the United States Institute of Peace, Boys Town, the Library of Congress and others. Hood students gained first-hand insight about what it means to be a leader in today’s complex and competitive world, as they met with speakers and attended special workshops.

“The program educated us on the nuances of the professional world, such as networking, public speaking, internships, the entrepreneurial spirit, the value of higher education, leadership skills and much more,” said Ace Williams ’24. “The leadership program brought an incredible diversity of speakers. These exceptional people not only shared their knowledge and experience, but also proved to be networking opportunities for us.”

The Osgood Professional Development Program has given Hood students an inside look at both domestic and international policymaking and advocacy in the nation’s capital. Participants have toured the George Washington University Elliott School of International Studies, the Capitol, the Millenium Challenge Corporation, various museums and think tanks, and even a penthouse at the infamous Watergate Apartments.

“These programs are transformative and give a multifaceted perspective of international affairs, social issues, leadership and career paths,” said Axel Barahona Perez ’24. “On a personal level, the Osgood Center has provided me with opportunities to better understand myself, the importance of my background, my academic journey and my future career path. Engaging with experts and gaining insights from diplomats and policymakers have provided me with a genuine knowledge of our society, its politics and its people.”

The Osgood Model UN training proved to be especially effective. In November 2023, Hood’s own Model UN brought a record 17 students to the annual Model UN Conference in Washington, D.C., where Hood won two Distinguished Delegation Awards. For the event, Hood students represented two countries: Madagascar and Pakistan.

“Participating in Model UN is a high-impact practice,” said Paige Eager, Ph.D., dean of the faculty and global studies program director. “It is open to all majors, and it helps students hone their research, public speaking and negotiating skills.”

Learn more about the political science and global studies programs here.