Foreign Service Officers

High School

Those who work for the Foreign Service will need to call on a great deal of general knowledge about the world and its history. To prepare for this challenge, take courses such as social studies, history, American government, and English literature. English composition will help you develop writing and communication skills. Any foreign language courses will give you a good foundation in language study—and good foreign language skills can help in getting a job with the Foreign Service and make you eligible for a higher starting salary. Take a journalism course in which you'll follow current events and world news, as well as develop your writing and editing skills. Accounting, math, business, and economics classes will give you a good background for dealing with foreign trade issues.

Postsecondary Training

Though the Foreign Service is open to any United States citizen between the ages of 20 and 59 who passes the written, oral, and physical examinations, you'll generally need a master's degree for consideration and to have the knowledge necessary for completing the exam. Candidates are expected to have a broad knowledge of foreign and domestic affairs and to be well informed on U.S. history, government, economics, culture, literature, and business administration. The fields of study most often chosen by those with a higher education include history, international relations, political science, economics, law, English literature, and foreign languages. Georgetown University's Walsh School of Foreign Service (http://sfs.georgetown.edu) has undergraduate and graduate programs designed to prepare students for careers in international affairs. Many luminaries have graduated from the school, including Bill Clinton in 1968. Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright served as a member of the school's faculty.

The Foreign Service offers both paid and volunteer internship opportunities for college students in their junior and senior years, and to graduate students. Intern spend two consecutive summers participating in paid 10-week internships. "In the first summer, participants receive three weeks of academic and professional training in Washington, D.C., followed by seven weeks working in a policy office at the U.S. Department of State," according to the department's Web site. "In the second summer, participants are given a 10-week assignment to a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad." As an intern, you may write reports, assist with trade negotiations, or work with budget projects. You may be involved in visa or passport work. Visit https://careers.state.gov/interns-fellows/us-foreign-service-internship-program for more information. The Foreign Service also offers fellowship programs (https://careers.state.gov/interns-fellows/professional-fellowships), which provide funding to undergraduate and graduate students preparing academically to enter the Foreign Service.

Certification

Colleges and universities, online learning platforms, and professional associations offer certificate programs in international relations, political science, history, economics, law, foreign languages, and related areas. These programs typically last six months to a year and are available in online, in-person, and hybrid formats. These programs allow aspiring Foreign Service officers to learn about different fields without having to enroll in a more-expensive degree program. Georgetown University's Walsh School of Foreign Service offers a variety of certificate programs. Examples include Diplomatic Studies, International Business Diplomacy, African Studies, Arab Studies, and Asian Studies.

Other Education or Training

Aspiring and current Foreign Service officers can update their skills by participating in continuing education classes, webinars, and other learning opportunities that are provided by professional associations, colleges and universities, and other providers.