If you're interested in a career that includes an excellent salary, extensive travel, meeting high-ranking officials from around the world, and enjoying unique perks that other professionals wouldn't dream of, then this is the career for you.You can join the diplomatic service.It's a career path that has many rewards if you're willing to devote many years to serious study and aren't intimidated by the high level of competition.Here is how you can start.
Step 1: Find out how to become a diplomat.
Contact the agency that deals with international relations.The Department of State is in the United States.The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is in France.Do you have to become proficient in other languages to get a professional degree?You must meet certain age requirements if you are a natural born citizen.In the United States, applicants must be between the ages of 21 and 59.
Step 2: Take into account your personal qualifications.
Determine your physical readiness.Diplomats must get medical clearance to travel and live in areas with limited access to healthcare facilities.Determine if you would get a security clearance.Government background checks confirm that applicants have no criminal record, are financially responsible and have not abused drugs or alcohol.Do you have the right temperament to relocate to any country your government sends you to, even if you don't agree with their policies?Do you have the ability to speak effectively through an interpreter and to negotiate and persuade without antagonizing others?Diplomats have to be able to adapt to living in different cultures.
Step 3: The necessary formal course work is done at accredited schools.
There are special programs that prepare you to become a diplomat.The Department of Politics and International Relations at Oxford University is an example.
Step 4: You have to register with the foreign affairs office.
The Department of State requires American citizens to complete an application.The Foreign & Commonwealth Office is where citizens in Great Britain should apply.
Step 5: The written and oral exams need to be passed.
You should expect to demonstrate a high level of ability in world and national history, political science, writing and current events if you take the exams in your country.The written exam for the Foreign Service Officer's Exam takes 3 hours.The oral exams are used to measure a person's ability to represent the United States government abroad.A practical training program is required.Prospective diplomats are required by the governments of the United States, France and Great Britain to complete further classroom study devoted to the principles of diplomacy.They have to make frequent trips to government offices to learn how other branches of government work.