"Network Your Way to an International Internship and Career," also known as International Studies 170, is led by PICS faculty member Tina Sula.
We signed up for a networking class expecting to polish our resumes, strengthen our LinkedIn profiles, and gather a few handy tips for professional conversations. But this class turned out to be much more than that. In addition to teaching us networking strategies, it challenged us to reflect deeply on who we are, what we want to accomplish with our lives and degrees, and how our relationships, both those we already have and those yet to be formed, can shape the paths that lead us toward our aspirations.
More than anything, this class emphasized one of the most important tools for career and personal growth: a networking mindset. This mindset is built on the belief that our goals in life are often achieved not in isolation, but through the people we meet and the connections we nurture.
That belief came to life in an unforgettable way when we met Henry Haggard, a former member of the U.S. Senior Foreign Service. Over the course of his distinguished career, Haggard served in places like France and South Korea, eventually becoming a diplomat. His stories illustrated not just the global influence of his work, but also the crucial role that relationships played at every step of his journey.
Haggard validated what we learned in class — that networking is not transactional. Instead, it is about genuine curiosity, listening, and investing in people over the long term; so they, in turn, invest in you. His lecture was not merely a chance to hear from someone who had lived and worked abroad at the highest levels of government; it was a vivid example of how relationships can open doors, shape careers, and even change lives.
At the University of Michigan, we have a lot of access to opportunities. From specialized classes (like networking) to countless lectures such as this one hosted by the Nam Center for Korean Studies in partnership with the International Institute and PICS, the university provides constant chances to practice networking and engage with leaders. Our university truly brings the world to Ann Arbor.
For students willing to step into the room, ask questions, and build relationships, these opportunities can become stepping stones toward futures that haven’t yet been imagined—here in Ann Arbor and around the world.
Top 10 Reasons to Go to Lectures on Campus
- Discover new knowledge beyond the classroom.
- Gain inspiration for potential career pathways.
- Meet and connect with like-minded peers.
- Access experts directly and hear from leaders in their fields.
- Learn real-world insights that expand your perspective.
- Explore new ideas that challenge and broaden your thinking.
- Build networks and foster mentorships that extend beyond a single event.
- Stay informed about global and national issues.
- Strengthen confidence by asking questions and engaging with professionals.
- Transform opportunities into long-term connections and growth.
Top 10 Things We Learned from Henry Haggard
- People you meet will often reappear in your life: be kind, helpful, and respectful.
- If you want to learn from someone, ask directly. Rejection is minor compared to the value of a potential connection.
- Follow your curiosity early; it can spark the foundation of a career.
- Take risks and immerse yourself in new environments to build adaptability.
- Remember: relationships matter more than résumés; people, not papers, open doors.
- Nurture connections consistently; networking is lifelong, not situational.
- Stay flexible, because careers rarely follow straight and predictable paths.
- Listen more than you talk; understanding begins with listening.
- Treat every job as a learning opportunity.
- Mentors and small, local steps can shape paths toward impactful careers.
