2 answers
Jessica
Student
West Grove, Pennsylvania
2
Questions
Asked
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To become a diplomat what do you have to do besides the FSOT? I know there's some simulations and an oral part and the telephone test, but is there a physical portion of the test? How hard is the telephone test? What are the simulations/oral portions like
Sorry for all the questions, I'm just really passionate about this. I'll be entering college in the fall and I'm really interested in knowing what classes would help me meet all qualifications needed to become a diplomat. #international-relations #diplomacy #foreign-service
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2 answers
Dale Giovengo
Diplomat
2
Answers
United States
Updated
Dale’s Answer
Our careers site (careers.state.gov) is the best place to start exploring careers with the State Department.
When people talk about becoming a diplomat, they often mean a Foreign Service Officer (FSO, or “Generalist”). Becoming a Foreign Service Officer is a three-step process – a written test followed by a series of essays (Personal Narratives), followed by an oral assessment. The first hurdle is getting past the written test, which we offer three times a year in the summer, winter, and fall. You are allowed to take the written test once a year. You start with a clean slate every time you take it, so don’t be afraid to try again if you don’t make it the first time.
There is a practice test under the button “Register for the FSOT” that will help see where you are strong and where you might need to improve. Regardless, make sure you read the paper every day and read, listen, or watch more in depth analysis at least once a week. Write essays, letters, journal entries, and articles. Read The Economist every week and study the recommendations in the classic writing handbook, The Elements of Style. Write regularly and in short sessions, as if you were learning to play the guitar or shoot baskets.
Another document to review is our 13 Dimensions. We use the 13 dimensions to judge candidates who wish to join the Foreign Service. As you will see, fulfilling these dimensions has more to do with your character and experience than your education.
Remember, the Foreign Service offers many careers outside of the Generalist track. We also hire Specialists in many areas, such as human resources, security, accounting, office management, medicine, etc. Foreign Service Specialists live the same lifestyle as an FSO and serve in both Washington and abroad, but they tend to work solely in their area of expertise.
If you speak another language, you may also be interested in our Consular Fellows Program. Consular Fellows live the same lifestyle as a Foreign Service Officer, but the program is easier to join and limited to five years. Like FSOs, Consular Fellows get free rent, travel expenses, and schooling for their kids. It is not a path into the Foreign Service, but can be a great job for someone who needs international experience or wants to live abroad for a few years.
If you want to do policy work without all the moving and international travel, you may consider applying for a civil service job at the State Department. Details about the different ways to work for the State Department are available on our careers site.
When people talk about becoming a diplomat, they often mean a Foreign Service Officer (FSO, or “Generalist”). Becoming a Foreign Service Officer is a three-step process – a written test followed by a series of essays (Personal Narratives), followed by an oral assessment. The first hurdle is getting past the written test, which we offer three times a year in the summer, winter, and fall. You are allowed to take the written test once a year. You start with a clean slate every time you take it, so don’t be afraid to try again if you don’t make it the first time.
There is a practice test under the button “Register for the FSOT” that will help see where you are strong and where you might need to improve. Regardless, make sure you read the paper every day and read, listen, or watch more in depth analysis at least once a week. Write essays, letters, journal entries, and articles. Read The Economist every week and study the recommendations in the classic writing handbook, The Elements of Style. Write regularly and in short sessions, as if you were learning to play the guitar or shoot baskets.
Another document to review is our 13 Dimensions. We use the 13 dimensions to judge candidates who wish to join the Foreign Service. As you will see, fulfilling these dimensions has more to do with your character and experience than your education.
Remember, the Foreign Service offers many careers outside of the Generalist track. We also hire Specialists in many areas, such as human resources, security, accounting, office management, medicine, etc. Foreign Service Specialists live the same lifestyle as an FSO and serve in both Washington and abroad, but they tend to work solely in their area of expertise.
If you speak another language, you may also be interested in our Consular Fellows Program. Consular Fellows live the same lifestyle as a Foreign Service Officer, but the program is easier to join and limited to five years. Like FSOs, Consular Fellows get free rent, travel expenses, and schooling for their kids. It is not a path into the Foreign Service, but can be a great job for someone who needs international experience or wants to live abroad for a few years.
If you want to do policy work without all the moving and international travel, you may consider applying for a civil service job at the State Department. Details about the different ways to work for the State Department are available on our careers site.
Thank you for your clear and concise answers that do more than just point out the state department’s site , because of course I’ve alteady done that.
If you wouldn’t mind I have a few more specific about joining and then the job itself. I know if you pass the first few rounds you have to partake in a simulation, would my many years of model un experience come in handy here? Also, does the government provide housing for when you’re home and abroad or just while you’re abroad? Finally, I know the military only accepts people in immaculate condition is the foreign service the same? Because I have several (under control) mental illnesses and a mostly innocuous birth defect with my ribs so I’m worried they’ll reject me on grounds of “not being physically and mentally sound” or something.
Jessica
It was helpful
Benedict Ameh
Dale Giovengo
Diplomat
2
Answers
United States
Updated
Dale’s Answer
Hello Jessica, The State Department usually provides housing when you are abroad depending on the job you are in. I can not advise on the specific physical aspect. If you do pass the testing aspects you are required to get a medical clearance by our Medical Department that would make a judgment as to your appropriateness for employment.