Foreign Service Field Guide

Overview

The general work of the Foreign Service is best described in the Mission Statement of the Department of State: “Create a more secure, democratic, and prosperous world for the benefit of the American people and the international community.” Of recent, three underlying and interdependent components embodied in the National Security Strategy make up the principal aims of the foreign policy objectives: diplomacy, development, and defense. While the FS is often perceived as focusing exclusively on “diplomacy,” the other two components are also an important aspect of Foreign Service work.

Foreign Service members work in five federal agencies:

State Department
U.S. Agency for International Development
Department of Commerce (Foreign Commercial Service)
Department of Agriculture (Foreign Agricultural Service)
International Broadcasting Bureau (Voice of America)

They may also be assigned one to three year tours in other federal agencies, such as the National Security Council, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, and the Department of Defense. New FS Officers receive orientation and training before being given their first assignment overseas. At least one of the first two assignments will likely include a “hardship post,” where living conditions are more difficult than in the United States. But the day-to-day activities of an FS Officer vary dramatically.

Types of Jobs

A FSO may follow one of five career tracks:

Consular officer
Economic officer
Management officer
Political officer
Public diplomacy officer

Qualifications + Skills

Cultural adaptability
Information integration and analysis
Initiative and leadership skills
Objectivity and integrity
Strong written and oral communication skills
Planning and organization
Resourcefulness
Teamwork
Composure

PRO TIP: Visit The careers site for the U.S. State Department is an excellent place to discover which career path is right for you. In addition to general qualifications and advice, there are quizzes to determine which position is a good fit for you and practice questions for the Foreign Service Officer Test.

Career Opportunities

A Foreign Service career sounds adventurous, challenging, and thrilling—and in many ways FS Officers will agree that it is all of those things. If you care about U.S. Foreign Policy and the image of the United States overseas, you will likely have the opportunity to shape and implement such policy and enhance the U.S. image. If you are interested in learning new languages, becoming acquainted with new cultures, and meeting highly accomplished people from across the globe, you will likely have those opportunities as well. There are notable disadvantages as well, however. Perhaps the first and most significant is the level of competition in getting into the FS. Another is the potential for being placed in insecure conditions, or simply undesirable assignments. Furthermore, as a representative of the U.S., you will be required to publicly defend U.S. foreign policy. Constant travel and living overseas can be viewed as either an advantage or disadvantage, depending on family circumstances and priorities. Below is a list of a few personal questions to consider, followed by a general description of some of the general advantages and disadvantages of a FS career.

Would I like to be the face of the United States in foreign countries? Am I willing to defend Foreign Policy?
Do I love to travel? Would I like to live overseas?
Do I have a family or plan to have a family? Would they like to live overseas?
Am I interested in managing diplomatic relations with other countries and international institutions, promoting peace and stability, and addressing global challenges?
Am I willing to live in dangerous circumstances and/or locations?
How important is the overall compensation package for me (salary, benefits, and other overseas allowances)?
Would I like to move every 1-3 years?

Sample Maxwell Classes

African International Relations
Global Energy, Economics and Geopolitics
Issues in Public Diplomacy
Governance and Global Civil Society
Geopolitics of South Asia
Statecraft and Smart Power
United States National Security: Defense and Foreign Policy
Fundamentals of Post-Conflict Reconstruction
Latin America’s Crisis of Citizen Security
Social Media in the Public Sector

Resources

Careers.state.gov

Related Career Guides

U.S. Federal Government and Capitol Hill, United Nations, Public Diplomacy and Public Relations