Career as a foreign service officer?

Path to a career as a Foreign Service Officer?

• Currently I'm close to graduating with a degree in Political Science. Over the past few months I've been looking into a career as a Foreign Service Officer. I'm planning on taking the next available exam in October. I've gone over the information that is given on the State Department's website on preparation, but is there anything else that I can do over the summer to prepare? Fortunately, a former professor of mine, a former officer with Homeland Security and has family member in other branches (not State though) has been giving me advice on how to network with people in the government such as my local congressman. Even though I did major in Political Science I would rather work as a Consular rather than in Politics. What are my chances of landing this job? I have experience abroad in South Korea and Central Europe, interacting with those of other cultures and a zest to help others. But unfortunately, I do not speak a foreign language fluently. Will this severally crush my chances? Is availability of these positions high? Are there any more sources that I can get into contact with who can give me more advice?

• Answer:

  Before you fret over whether consular or political is your best choice, you have to pass that very rigorous entrance exam. Since the job has a lot of applicants, even if you pass, you aren't promised a job. Let's say 10,000 people take the written exam. 2,000 make it to the oral exams.You take those and do well, you're in the top 1,000. Good on ya!. But if State's HR identifies a need for only 250 new officers, you may not get offered a job. You should expend your energy preparing for the exam. The written exam is tough. The oral exam is equally difficult. Concentrate on that process. Once you get offered a position, you'll likely get a consular position, since many new officers do that anyway. That'll be your opportunity to stay in the consular field. Speaking a language will help financially, though it's unlikely to make a difference in assignments. The bigger factor is State's need. Most of Africa is tough to fill; All of Europe, Japan and Australia are hard to get into. Asia and South America are both easy to fill and hard to fill, depending on the individual post. I'd go easy on the networking with legislative branch people. You'll do what you think is best, but that's my opinion. What will help is to find a niche and fill it. Last, my comment: The Foreign Service is a good place for people with no children. Many posts have less-than- stellar academic environments. Sure, State pays lots of money for you to send your kids to school at the local International School. But the results vary a lot, and you can't say, "I won't go to ___ because the school isn't so good." If you're single, go for it. If you're an empty-nester, go for it. If you plan to have children, I'd look for another employer. Again, my opinion. Summary: Focus on passing the exam. ... Good luck!!