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The United States conducts business in a number of nations, relying on citizens employed by the Department of State to provide support with overseeing foreign affairs. Currently, there are approximately 294 United States embassies, consulates, and diplomatic organizations where Foreign Service workers are posted throughout the world. Of the many people working in foreign embassies and consulates, one of the main positions held is that of Foreign Service Specialist, who handle the daily supportive operations required to effectively run the embassy or consulate. A career as a Foreign Service Specialist offers United States citizens the opportunity to travel the world and develop a particular professional skill set while serving their country.
To become a Foreign Service Specialist, individuals are required to take the Foreign Service Officer Test (FSOT), which is considered a major part of the process of being selected by the Foreign Service. Entering into the Foreign Service as an entry-level specialist currently has no set formal education requirement, but candidates who hold a bachelor’s degree or higher can enter the service at a higher rank, with increased pay and potentially more diverse responsibilities. Benefits in terms of pay increased responsibilities, and advancement in the Foreign Service as a specialist is generally based on the quality and volume of a candidate’s previous professional experience and the specific nature of their education. Additionally, individuals that have obtained a master’s degree tend to have more opportunities within the Foreign Service, alongside a higher rate of pay and better benefits.
American citizens looking to start a career with the United States Foreign Service also need to meet a certain set of criteria. First, they need to be between the ages of 20 and 60. The Department of State also performs an extensive and comprehensive background-check on accepted applicants, vetting candidates to verify that they are eligible to receive the level of security clearance required for the job. Finally, a thorough review is done of the candidate’s entire file, including the details of their prior professional experience, current level of education, and personal background. This is done to verify if they are suited for the stressful conditions that are consistent in a career with the Foreign Service. When starting in the service, most candidates will enter into a 9-month post in Washington, D.C. to get familiar with protocols, though some candidates are sent directly into the field abroad to gain hands-on experience.
Foreign Service Specialists are hired directly to the United States Department of State to provide supportive services that fall into eight different categories: administration, construction engineering, facility management, information technology, international information and English language programs, medical and health, office management, and law enforcement and security. Between these categories, there are 19 different specialist jobs that candidates who pass the screening process may seek tenure in.
A career in the Foreign Service offers many incentives and benefits, including a comfortable salary that grows with time spent in service and the skills acquired during tenure. Foreign Service Specialists have their pay scaled based on a progressive system of steps that can be climbed based on relevant experiences, education, and other contributing factors. The median pay listed for individuals within the Foreign Service is approximately $84,000.
A career serving the United States Department of State and Foreign Service can prove to be a fulfilling experience that includes ample travel and exciting opportunities while gaining the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in the field. The diverse career tracks available to Foreign Service Specialists allow those with a wide variety of interests to pursue this career.
As the nation’s oldest private military college, Norwich University has been a leader in innovative education since 1819. Through its online programs, Norwich delivers relevant and applicable curricula that allow its students to make a positive impact on their places of work and their communities.
Our online Master of Arts in International Relations program offers a curriculum that evolves with current events to help you face the future of international affairs. Norwich University’s master’s degree in international relations covers many subjects to give you a look at the internal workings of international players, examine the role of state and non-state actors on the global stage, and explore different schools of thought. You can further strengthen your knowledge by choosing one of five concentrations in International Security, National Security, International Development, Cyber Diplomacy, or Regions of the World.
Recommended Readings
Do Economic Sanctions Work?
4 Trends Involving International Security
6 Insights on International Economic Development
Sources
Diplomat/Foreign Service Office/Specialist, The Princeton Review
Foreign Service Office Benefits, U.S. Department of State
Salary Standards for Entry-Level Foreign Service Specialist Career Candidates, with the exception of Diplomatic Security Special Agent Candidates, U.S. Department of State