On January 8, Ohio State University will host a virtual U.S. Future Leaders Career Readiness Seminar for approximately 50 alumni of the U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program. 

The seminar, focusing on technology and entrepreneurship, is part of the State Department’s ongoing effort to help Gilman alumni turn their experiences abroad into meaningful careers in fields critical to U.S. national security and economic prosperity.   

Attendees will hone their abilities to describe the skills they have gained abroad on resumes, during interviews, and while networking.  Through virtual skill-building activities and employer panels, alumni will explore how to capitalize upon their new language abilities, regional knowledge, and cross-cultural communication skills to launch impactful careers in technology and entrepreneurship. 

“Gilman Scholars, whether through an internship or study abroad experience, gain critical skills to adapt and function in a cross-cultural environment,” said Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs Marie Royce.  “We are pleased to support our outstanding Gilman alumni through these career-enhancing initiatives.” 

The Gilman Program is a program of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, with funding provided by the U.S. Government and supported in its implementation by the Institute of International Education.  The Gilman Program provides over 3,000 scholarships a year to outstanding American undergraduate students who, due to financial constraints, might not otherwise study abroad.  Since the Program began in 2001, more than 30,000 Gilman scholars from all U.S. states and territories have studied in nearly 150 countries. 

The Gilman Program has yielded extraordinary results in supporting first-generation college students, ethnic and racial minority students, students with disabilities, student veterans, students attending two-year and minority serving institutions, and other populations underrepresented in study abroad, as well as broadening the diversity of destinations where scholars study or intern. 

“International education should be part of every student’s academic career,” said Secretary of State Michael Pompeo. “Educational exchanges, whether it’s Americans going overseas or foreigners coming to the U.S., are among the most important tools in our diplomatic arsenal.” 

To learn more about the Gilman Program and how its diverse alumni are entering into impactful careers in the government, non-profit, and private sectors, contact eca-press@state.gov  and visit www.gilmanscholarship.org.  

For more information about global opportunities, visit the resources available through Fisher College of Business as well as Ohio State. Additional information about entrepreneurship education at The Ohio State University can be accessed through the university's Keenan Center for Entrepreneurship.