Becoming a Foreign Service Officer/Specialist
Engaging the World Through Your Career
You look at a map yearning to travel the world. World news is your top Google search. A constantly changing environment excites you. You are driven to address some of the hardest issues of the day – national security, human trafficking, economic stability, free trade, and environmental problems just to name a few.
You might think combining each of these interests into a career is impossible, but such a career is possible through serving as a Foreign Service Officer (FSO) or Foreign Service Specialist (FSS) at the United States Department of State (DOS).
Serving as a FSO/FSS
Simply put the Foreign Service (FS) promotes peace, supports prosperity, and protects American citizens while advancing the interests of the U.S. abroad. FSOs and FSSs serve at one of the 270 different U.S. consulates or embassies abroad or in the United States.
To serve as a FSO or FSS, you might think you must have a Government or International Relations degree, but that is not the case. The FS utilizes expertise from across a spectrum of majors and skills.
Why? Consider the role of an embassy. They represent the interests of America and strengthen our relationship with a particular country.
Our interests and our foreign relations span everything from investigating criminal matters, to establishing complex trade agreements, to formalizing weapons nonproliferation treaties. As a result, the FS needs individuals who understand and have experience in a wide variety of issues.
Needed Skills for the FS
So what kind of skills do you need for the FS?
- Adaptability (you might be living in a country with constant power outages)
- A service mindset (you could work 14-16 hour days on a consistent basis)
- practiced verbal and written communication (you might have to write a speech for an ambassador within 30 minutes)
- Sound judgment (you could be asked to evaluate whether a military coup may happen in the coming week)
- Leadership (you could lead the next trade talks between the U.S. and the country where you are stationed)
As you can tell a FSO or FSS must be ready to serve in multiple capacities at a moment’s notice. These skills do not come overnight and take time to hone. When selecting potential FSOs and FSSs, DOS looks for candidates who have a strong education and work experience. Traditionally people enter the FS after they have spent a few years in a professional environment.
Preparing for the FS
How can you prepare for serving as a FSO or FSS? Begin focusing on these four components: your academia, professional skills, practical experiences, and extensive reading.
1. Academia
While you pursue your bachelors, masters, or PhD, utilize each of your assignments to begin researching and writing on topics related to foreign policy issues. For example, if you are studying education you can research education best practices that transcend culture or if you are studying business focus on international trade issues.
2. Professional Skills
As you consider internships, seek to develop professional skills that will grow the 13 Dimensions of a FSO and 12 Dimensions of a FSS.
3. Practical Experiences
Then as you apply for jobs continue to focus on positions which will grow those 13 or 12 Dimensions as well as give you experience in the 5 Career Tracks of a FSO or in the specialist tracks of a FSS.
4. Extensive Reading
Begin expanding your knowledge in the news, politics, economics, history, and current affairs. Don’t know where to start, check out the DOS suggested reading list.
Next Steps
Now you are interested in the FS and might be wondering how to apply. The first step is to prepare yourself as noted in the four components. The second step is to prepare for the FSO test (FSOT).
The FSOT is quite difficult to pass so begin going through the practice test and reviewing test information and the selection process.
Throughout this process, Career Services is ready to help. We can help you find jobs to develop your Dimensions, help you craft your resume – highlighting your different experiences and skills, and brainstorm how to answer the Personal Narrative questions on the application.
Liberty University Career Services stands ready to assist you to become the next FSO or FSS who will boldly promote peace, support prosperity, and protect American citizens.
