The Hamilton Lugar School Global Competencies skills development series helps students build the real-world skills used every day by diplomats, analysts, advocates, journalists, and global problem-solvers.
Who
Designed for Hamilton Lugar School students of all levels, and open to all interested IU students.
Led by Katherine Ntiamoah, Director for Policy Engagement & Strategic Partnerships and a former U.S. diplomat with nearly two decades of experience.
What
Interactive, skills-focused sessions centered on global competencies—designed for quick wins you can apply immediately.
Where
Global & International Studies Building (GA) 1134
When
Held twice monthly on select Fridays, starting September 5, 2025 (see full schedule below)
11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Note: No sessions during IU breaks or during Hamilton Lugar School’s America’s Role in the World and Global and Area Perspectives Symposium.
How
Drop in for any and all sessions—no sign-up or course enrollment required.
Bring a notebook or device; most sessions include short exercises.
Sessions alternate between skills workshops led by Katherine and practitioner spotlights:
One session focuses on a practical “hard” or “soft” skill.
The next features a practitioner demonstrating how they’ve applied that skill in the field.
Sample Global Competencies skills:
Hard Skills May Include:
- Policy & diplomatic writing
- Intelligence & situation analysis
- Security & clearance navigation
- Foreign policy briefing preparation
Soft Skills May Include:
- Cultural competency in professional settings
- Facilitating difficult conversations
- Strategic relationship building
- Negotiation practice
Why
Launched last year and revamped for 2025 under the leadership of HLS alumna Katherine Ntiamoah, this series goes beyond lectures to hands-on practice—so you can learn a skill in an hour and see how professionals use it on the job.
Questions?
Email kntiamoah@iu.edu in advance.
Want to learn more?
Check out our news feature introducing the revamped Global Competencies series.