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Gabriella
Student
Barnstable, Massachusetts
1
Question
Updated
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How would you broaden your diplomatic connections in University ? What should I do to further my wanted career as an ambassador?
Im a highschool senior that's already applied and have been accepted into some colleges within my state of Massachusetts. Ive done duel enrollment for a year and have taken enough classes to be considered as a college sophomore. My intended major is International Relations or Political Science with a concentration in international relations.
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Suzanne Sorkin
Retired family physician and medical educator
137
Answers
Traverse City, Michigan
Updated
Suzanne’s Answer
Hi Gabriella and congratulations on your goals and achievements! My father had a career in the US Foreign Service and found it to be very satisfying although he never achieved the rank of ambassador. As you probably know, that is considered the pinnacle of the foreign service (similar to being a general in the army). Most career foreign service officers do not achieve that rank but instead serve and represent their country in other lower-level positions.
My biggest suggestion is to familiarize yourself with what is going on in the world (and domestically) as well as you can. Much of this knowledge will come from your course work but try also to find ways to interact with people from all over the world. If your college/university has programs for and by international students, try to take part and get to know people from all over the world. If you can, try to do a study abroad program. Master at least one other language. Listen to podcasts in that language which cover a wide range of topics including politics and international affairs. Read international newspapers and magazines. Be curious and learn from people from as many different backgrounds and locations as you can. Watch for opportunities listed in your college for Washington D.C. internships or summer jobs. If you can travel, do so, and try to learn as much as possible from the opportunity. Good luck!
Here is info about Foreign Service career tracks: https://careers.state.gov/career-paths/foreign-service/foreign-service-officer/
Here's info on Foreign Service student internships: https://careers.state.gov/interns-fellows/student-internship-program/
My biggest suggestion is to familiarize yourself with what is going on in the world (and domestically) as well as you can. Much of this knowledge will come from your course work but try also to find ways to interact with people from all over the world. If your college/university has programs for and by international students, try to take part and get to know people from all over the world. If you can, try to do a study abroad program. Master at least one other language. Listen to podcasts in that language which cover a wide range of topics including politics and international affairs. Read international newspapers and magazines. Be curious and learn from people from as many different backgrounds and locations as you can. Watch for opportunities listed in your college for Washington D.C. internships or summer jobs. If you can travel, do so, and try to learn as much as possible from the opportunity. Good luck!
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Thank you so much, your father seems like an extraordinary man. I find this information very helpful to me and my next steps preparing for my future, whether its a Diplomat, Ambassador or whatever the world has in store! :)
Gabriella
I’m glad it’s helpful, Gabriela. Best of luck to you and write back if you have more questions in the further.
Suzanne Sorkin