How to Become an U.S. Foreign Affairs Officer

U.S. foreign affairs officers, or foreign service officers, typically work for the U.S. Department of State to promote U.S. interests and assist U.S. citizens abroad. They work in more than 265 locations around the world, sometimes in dangerous environments. Not everyone who passes the U.S. Department of State assessments are assigned to foreign service officer posts. The U.S. Agency for International Development also employs foreign service officers who develop and manage foreign assistance programs for activities such as economic growth and trade, agriculture and environment, and education and training.

Things You'll Need

• Passport
• U.S. citizenship on date registration packet submitted to the U.S. Department of State
• Age between 21 and 60 years of age on the day of appointment as a U.S. Department of State foreign service officer

Instructions

U.S. Department of State

1. Follow current affairs and become broadly knowledgeable by taking college courses in subjects such as English composition, management, history, government, international relations, geography, literature, economics and languages. Obtain at least a general understanding of basic mathematics and statistics, computers and communication skills. Get relevant work experience by working in education, law, public service administration, local or state government, and military service. People from other professions are also needed.

2. Take the "Is the Foreign Service Right for You?" quiz at the U.S. Department of State website to determine whether you can withstand the potential drawbacks of a diplomatic career. Consider how well you match up to the 13 personal characteristics or "dimensions" the department looks for in its officers, such as having composure, particularly in stressful situations, and adaptability to cultural differences. Also take the "Which Career Track Is Right for You?" quiz online. The department offers five career tracks with specific focuses. Choose a career track carefully because it cannot be changed once you've officially chosen it.

3. Register online for the Foreign Service Officer Test, which measures knowledge and skills related to foreign service work. Also assigned is a 30-minute essay. You must pass the first part of the test for it to be graded. The U.S. Department of State offers a study guide to help you prepare for FOST.

4. If you pass the FSOT multiple choice and essay sections, submit a personal narrative, answering questions that describe what you offer the Foreign Service. Then pass an oral assessment offered in Washington, D.C., and other locations that show how well you meet the department's required personality characteristics or "13 dimensions."

5. Get medical and security clearances, after passing the Oral Assessment. If the final review panel approves your candidacy for the Foreign Service, you will be placed on a rank-ordered register; those with the best scores are placed higher on the list. Placement on the register does not guarantee an appointment as a foreign service officer because candidates are given posts only as the Foreign Service requires.

U.S. Agency for International Development

1. Complete an online application to a USAID announced vacancy by the announcement's closing date. Ensure that you have the academic degrees and experience necessary for the position because most require advanced degrees such as master's degrees and doctorates, and may also require previous work abroad.

2. Travel to Washington, D.C., if requested, for an on-site interview and assessment and to undergo reference checks.

3. Participate in a background investigation conducted by USAID in cooperation with other government agencies, which determines your suitability for appointment to the Foreign Service and for security clearance. You will also need to receive a proper medical clearance for working abroad.

Tips & Warnings

• It takes at least eight months to move through the U.S. State Department process for foreign service officer selection.

• Both the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Agency for International Development offer college undergrads and graduate students internships and fellowships in Washington, DC, and aboard -- potential jump starts for people interested in careers in international relations. Positions are posted on their websites.

• An increasing number of overseas posts are now in isolated, unhealthful and sometimes dangerous environments, according to the U.S. Department of State. Family members might not be allowed to accompany you.

References

• U.S. Department of State Careers Representing America: Foreign Service Officer
• U.S. Agency for International Development Careers; Foreign Service Officer Frequently Asked Questions; May 2010
• U.S. Department of State: Guide to the Foreign Service Officer Selection Program, 2010 -- 2011
• U.S. Department of State Careers Representing America: Is the Foreign Service Right for You?
• U.S. Department of State Careers Representing America:Foreign Service Officer Qualifications --13 Dimensions
• U.S. Department of State Careers Representing America: Foreign Service Officer -- Which Officer Career Track Is Right for You?

Resources

• U.S. Department of State Careers Representing America: Foreign Service Officer Career Tracks
• U.S. Department of State Careers Representing America: Becoming a Foreign Service Officer