How to Become a United States Ambassador

It is fair to say that there are two kinds of United States Ambassadors--those who have worked their way through the ranks of the State Department, demonstrating diplomatic skills, learning the history and culture of a region, and developing linguistic skills--and those who are political appointments. The latter usually are heavy contributors to the president's political party.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Focus your collegiate studies on politics, history, and develop a proficiency in at least one foreign language. Attend as many foreign policy conferences as possible and network.

2. Apply for an undergraduate fellowship with the Council on American Ambassadors.

3. Consider taking a post graduate fellowship or full degree in international relations.

4. Apply for an entry position in the State Department. A typical entry level position would be a foreign services officer.

5. Continue to develop your linguistic skills. The foreign service has a linguistic institute that teaches 27 different languages, and entire courses are offered online. Learn as many languages as you can, but focus on one or two in which you can develop a speaking fluency.

6. Move through embassy levels and foreign service postings until your seniority and experience earn you an ambassadorship.

7. Skip the preparation and foreign service experience. Become active in a political party. Contribute lots of money. Ask for an ambassadorship.

Resources

• Description of a foreign services officer.
• Webpage which describes the undergraduate fellowship with the Council.
• Website of the foreign services language institute.
• Council on American Ambassadors.