“Diplomat” The word conjures up images of fancy parties, fist-slamming negotiations, and peacemaking in the great capitals of Europe. The truth of the career is that it’s a job that demands hard work but gives great satisfaction. The State Department has been ranked third among ideal jobs for college graduates, the best place for women to work in the federal government, and among the top ten places to launch a career. Furthermore, the New York Times recently reported that they’re increasing positions. The State Department is the flagship foreign affairs agency in the US government. State’s workforce consists of civil service employees, Foreign Service specialists and Foreign Service generalists. When most people talk about American diplomats, they’re talking about generalists, also known as Foreign Service Officers.
Foreign Service Officers are the frontlines of American foreign policy. Each officer has a “cone,” or career track: consular, management, public diplomacy, economic or political. It should be noted that although all officers choose cones, they’re also considered generalists. For example, every officer will spend one of her first tours as a consular officer, and it isn’t considered unusual to do jobs out of cone.
So, how do you become a Foreign Service Officer? Getting a job as a Foreign Service Officer requires quite a bit of time. The process starts with a written exam, a panel review, and an all day oral exam. After the oral exam, applicants are subject to medical and security clearances, and are put on a waiting list. Candidates are offered positions in the order of their scores. Expect the process to take at least a year (if was in college again, I’d take the test my junior year rather than my senior). New hires are given a two month training course (A-100) in diplomatic principles, writing, history, and receptions. Yeah, reception training is pretty fun, much more than actual diplomatic receptions. Getting hired is not, however, the end of the selection process. New hires are only contracted for five years, at which point anyone who hasn’t been tenured gets the boot (don’t lose any sleep though—97% get tenured).
The average new employee is 32 years old, so it’s often a second career. It’s also a great place to start right out of college, as candidates are judged on their test scores rather than their job history. New hires are paid between $41,000 and $76,000. If you count the free housing and cost of living difference between much of the world and the U.S., it’s a very reasonable salary. Getting a job as a Foreign Service Officer isn’t about the salary, though. It’s about serving your country, interacting with foreign cultures, and maybe witnessing history. I hope this article doesn’t sound like a commercial—the job has some negatives too. Nevertheless, I’ve never spoken to an officer who said he regretted career choice.
This post is part of my unofficial Guide to the Foreign Service Exam.
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would you ever recomend getting your degree in something, such as education, just to have something to fall back on?
I am so interested in this, but I am only 18. I have some time to think about it, but would it be possible for me to do it if I just got like an AA, or should I continue with college to better my chances?
Well, I’m not really a guidance counselor, but the beautiful part of the foreign service test is that you can take it as many times as you’d like. Get your AA, take the test, and if you pass, great, if not, keep studying. I will point out, however, that the average new hire has a master’s degree, so you’ll have to be pretty dedicated if you want to pass with an AA.
I passed the oral exam but just barely and am worried about my ranking on the Register. does it happen often that a lower-ranked candidate never gets a job offer? I have a good chance of passing one of the super-critical needs language tests which will boost my score, but am curious what my chances will be without the language. thanks!
Janet,
It does happen, but with the hiring surge most of the registers are severely depleated at this point. There were 5.3’s (lowest score possible) called for every career track for the last class and some registers are down to zero people. If you get past the clearances in a timely manner you won’t have an issue. If you pass the language test you are a lock.
I strongly recommend you join the Yahoo group and you will have all of these questions answered. You will have to send them your official e-mail from DoS stating you passed the Orals to get admitted to the group.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/A-100-2002/
Good luck!
I’ve lived in Taiwan, and speak some Chinese. I’m wondering if picking any particular career track cone will help my chances of getting a position as a Foreign Service Officer in China?
I think if you speak any Chinese it’ll be pretty easy to get to China…
What is a good school to go to if you want to go into this field? are there any particular majors that are required to be a Foreign Service Officer?
I’m going to be getting a degree in a foreign (non U.S.) university, and I am fluent in 2 languages besides English.. do you think that will help me??
This has been my lifelong dream!! :D
I want to work on a specific country. Can you choose the embassy you want to work at? if not, is ther eother ways to work for an embassy or consulate by talking to their embassy in that country you want to work at?
@John If you want to focus on a certain country, State Department Civil Service is probably a better fit for you than the Foreign Service. FSOs frequently move around the world & are required to be worldwide available. Civil servants are based in DC and can become subject matter experts on one region/country. If you are asking if you could work for another country’s consulate/embasssy in the US, that is also possible.
Interesting blog — thanks for taking the time (and risk!) to post about your experience.
I’m curious about one thing. I’ve taken a practice test and didn’t have trouble on that. I should also be able to pass the super-critical language part. I suspect that I’ll do okay in the oral trial by fire. But I’m not so sure about my credit. I’m working on paying paying off some rather substantial debt, accumulated thanks to the down economy and a flopped business. I’m financially fine and should have it all paid off by the time I take the exam next June, but still have some marks on my credit (no foreclosure or short sell). I’ve heard that even small blemishes on a credit report more or less kill your chances at making it to the orals. Any insight if that’s true, or if there is a modicum of forgiveness in this day and age?
@rlmartin Your credit rating is not an issue with regard to making it to the Oral Assessment - that would come into play during the security clearance portion. There is an opportunity for you to explain your circumstances to your background investigator & appeal a decision after the final review panel (they look at medical/security clearance issues before placement on the register). Additional information can be found on the DSS website.
Thanks, IrishEyes, for the information. I had heard that the credit portion came prior to the orals. Guess that if I make it that far I can beg away a bit of historical debt. Maybe by then the housing market will have turned around.
@rlmartin Happy to help! You will sign a form the day that you pass releasing authorization for a credit check; investigations cannot begin without your signature.
Per State, “the security clearance process for new employees begins after a candidate for employment has been given a conditional offer of employment.” More info on the process can be found here: http://www.state.gov/m/ds/clearances/c10978.htm
Also from the State website: “The most common grounds for a finding of unsuitability are a recent history of drug or alcohol abuse and delinquency in repaying debt or other evidence of financial irresponsibility. Candidates whose file indicates such issues are unlikely to be found suitable for the Foreign Service. Potential candidates should give some thought to these suitability factors and the likelihood of obtaining a positive decision from the Final Review Panel before starting the application process.” http://careers.state.gov/specialist/selection.html
There is contact info for DS that can be located from the first website; depending on your situation it may behoove you to call and get advice from the experts. Best of luck!
Again, great information.
Thank goodness I’m not delinquent. Just penitent.
I feel like I should ask more questions, but since I’m not taking the exam for another year, I’ll hold off. I’ve bookmarked this site and will watch for answers to other dumb questions posted by people like me.
Have a nice evening, and thanks again!
RE: irisheyes
How do i get started as a civil servant? what do they do, and how can i get inside, and can i pick a country in south america?
@John State Department Civil Service positions are posted via USAJobs.com. More info from State’s website: http://careers.state.gov/civil-service/index.html about what they do & how to apply. If you’re only interested in working on one country, I assume you’d only apply for positions with that country in mind. You might also consider positions with think tanks and/or multinationals that work in that country.
@Clueless Yes, I understand that, but providing specific knowledge of what is tested on the FSOT or the OA breaks the NDA you signed.
IrishEyes,
You’re behaving like a self-important twit in your response to Clueless. No post by Clueless makes any reference to what is or isn’t on the test. The reference is directed at his/her lack of knowledge and the fact an adequate score was achieved in spite of it. Brush up on your reading comprehension.
@irisheyes
I did, but it only has jobs within the US……
I am in the process of getting my US Citizenship this year and probably I am not your usual candidate for Foreign Service. I am 43 and have worked, lived and studied in over a dozen countries in the past 20 years, quite a news buff, speak three languages and have a keen interest in joining the US Foreign Service. I hope to register as soon as my new passport arrives. What are some things you would suggest that I do to prepare for the written and oral exam? How good are the study guides sold by the state department and if there are others you would recommend? Any additional info you want to share, is welcome. Finally, thanks for sharing your knowledge and helping others.
I have been in the military 9 years, and have a secret security clearance, does this enhance my chances of being hired?
Melissa
I took the June 9, 2009 exam and have not received a response yet as to whether I passed or not. Has anyone else taken the same exam and received a response already?
@Stephanie–I think everyone was emailed their results July 1st. I’d call ACT at once, and find out what went wrong.
I have a DUI in the past. (5 yrs ago) Will that kill my chances? Otherwise I would say my application is very strong.
I am nearing university graduation and since there are no jobs for journalists I’m considering taking the foreign service exam since I’m well versed in politics, history, and international affairs. BUT I have credit debt through no fault of my own- my father was supposed to pay my tuition (that I had NO CHOICE but to put on my credit card) but when my mother finally divorced because of his mental illness he screwed me over saying he wouldn’t pay the bill because he ultimately ended up on the street. Can I explain this away because going into bankruptcy will be difficult because of the laws Dubya the commander in thief set up to pay for his wars and we have to rely on my grandmother for survival money- and hopefully paying off my father’s debts.
Well Im 20 years old and Im a sophmore in college. I think I really want to do this and began to network and will order the study books tonight. I do have a credit problem but no big maybe 1k but I can handle that. If I were to take it and do well would I stay in school or began when called or after graduation?
SECURITY CLEARANCE
One of the DoS sites stated that potential issues which may complicate security clearance include having dual nationality and a foreign spouse. I have two nationalities/citizenships (by birth, US and a SE Asian country) and have a foreign spouse (French). Any advice on whether or how these issues factor into clearance if there’s nothing else in either my or my spouse’s background aside from foreign nationalities and the fact that we both have lived abroad? I would like to assess whether I have a good enough chance of clearing security before I invest in attempting the process.
Many thanks.
Re: Security Clearance
I had a similar concern, since I’m Canadian-born. I had the opportunity to ask the Dept of State the question of whether my dual citizenship would affect my security clearance. The answer was simple: yes. To be clear, it doesn’t make it impossible by any means. But it does mean that the security clearance process will take longer than with a US-born citizen. And I guess that makes perfect sense. They’ll have to look into 26 years of my life, including college and political demonstrations (kidding), in addition to the 16 years I’ve been in the U.S.
My guess is that if your wife isn’t a US citizen, that could pose a problem. She should apply. The process generally takes about a year. If she is a citizen, the same situation would apply as with you — additional time for the security clearance.
So it’s not a show stopper. Just a staller.
I am a US citizen, studying International Relations in Mexico, can I still work in a US embassy? I am a fluent English and Spanish speaker.
My undergraduate years are winding down, and I am so thankful to have found this site - being an FSO has been a goal of mine for a long time, and now it seems to be more tangible than ever.
My question - I’ve been told that I might as well take the test right away. However, it seems as if the vast majority of those who ultimately pass have graduate degrees. Is it best to just wait until I have gotten a masters (this might be a while - I’m planning on living in the Middle East for a few years to get work and language experience), or is it a productive idea to take it asap?
Thank you all.
What an amazing resource. I was curious to know if having a degree is an absolute must? I have been working within public safety for nearly 20 years and now serve in Iraq and work with the US Embassy on a daily basis.
I have taken the FSWE several times. I have passed only once but have never moved past phase one. I thought I read somewhere that there is an option for DoD employees to move into a Foreign Service postion bypassing the exam. Was this a dream, or could I have read this somewhere?
At what point do they look to see if you have any foreign language skills? Before you sit for the written test or after you pass the oral part of the exam? Or at some other point?
Bunny - I believe they ask you on the application. Then if you speak a critical language and you pass the test, you do a phone test right away. Otherwise you have to wait until after passing the orals to test in other languages to boost your place on the register.
Eileen - I only know about the FSOT “bypass” for FS specialists and peace corps (I think State civil service may also apply). I am not aware of it applying to DoD.
My question relates to the career tracks. The DOS website cites a wide variance in the number of applicants per opening in the career tracks: Around 200 apps per 50 openings in the political cone vs. 70 apps per opening in the management and consular cones. Are there practical reasons why there is such a difference? Do some tracks pay more, have better career advancement opportunities, get better placement at sites around the world, are perceived as more “prestigious”, etc.? Or is it dumb luck that more people have interests in the political realm? I know choosing a track is a personal decision; I just want to know what I don’t know.