How to Get a Job in Foreign Policy
Foreign policy dictates a country's relations with other countries to promote diplomacy. Factors that determine and are affected by the policy include economic, political, social and military. While the policy itself is usually set by a nation's head of government or foreign minister, you can get a job working or volunteering in countries around the world researching, analyzing, implementing and reporting on foreign policy.
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Instructions
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Prepare
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Obtain a Bachelor's degree in economics, international relations, political science or public policy. Advanced degrees (Master's or Ph.D.) are often required for higher-level positions. If you hold a liberal arts degree, you should volunteer or find entry-level employment in related fields to build your experience.
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Volunteer or work as an intern during college with organizations that research or shape foreign policy. Internships offered include everything from marketing to policy research. Positions in other countries help build your experience working in undeveloped nations, while proving your cross-cultural sensitivity.
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Learn languages related to the country you want to work with, as you will be dealing with government leaders and diplomats on a regular basis. Being fluent in the native language gives you an edge over other candidates when you apply for a job.
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Stay up-to-date on current policies for trade, arms control, drugs, terrorism, environmental issues and human rights.
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Take an entry-level position at the State Department. The higher-level positions not only require years of experience, but are often only open to current government employees
Get a Foreign Policy Job
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Contact organizations working in fields that interest you, such as a human rights group working Colombia or an economic development non-profit working in Bangladesh. While these groups do not expressly create foreign policy, they do implement the policy and lobby the government for change.
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Search the United States government job board for open positions in Foreign Affairs and International Policy and Operations. A Foreign Affairs Officer directly contributes to policy making in the Unites States. You could be creating new policy or finding ways to implement current policy. Open positions are posted on the Civil Service job board (see Resources below).
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Check out the job board at the Foreign Policy Association (see Resources below). You can get internship, volunteer, entry-level and professional leads at this website. While you're there, check out the articles on recent policy changes across the globe.
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Tips & Warnings
Don't discount your current experience, as anything may be related. Heads of parties need everything from human resource experience to management skills. Other positions may utilize marketing, writing, accounting and other skills.
Avoid job boards that make you pay to see federal jobs. All openings are available for free on the official government job board. Sites that charge a fee often list jobs that are only offered to current employees, which are usually useless if you are trying to get your first job.
