What is a good major for someone who wants to be a Foreign Service Officer of the USA?

The London Eve

There are a range of subjects that would be relevant to a job in the Foreign Service - International Relations, Modern History, Languages, Economics, Law, Political Science etc.

To be honest it is not about what you study - it is about the transferable skills you pick up in oral and written communication, reasoning, problem-solving and numeracy.

Recommend that you supplement your university education with a couple of internships in charities or ngos. The Foreign Service like candidates with a bit of experience behind them.

Good luck

kittysue2000

I have two friends who are FSOs. One has an MA in Economics, and another has a BA in Political Science with a Minor in Near Eastern languages (Arabic and Hebrew)

George L

well, to some extent, that would depend on what it is you actually want to do in the Foreign Service. there are 4 cones, or areas of specialization, political, economic, consular and administrative. in reality, people come in all the time with from a very wide group of backgrounds. but all have a very intense interest in world affairs. foreign languages are good, especially the harder ones,

Michael

FSO's come from a wide variety of backgrounds and the only real requirement for the job is passing the foreign service exam (FSOT).

You should know that most entry-level FSO's are people on their second career often with 20+ years of military or corporate experience. There are some that came in straight out of college but they are few and far between.

edit - The job listing Javed1 posted below is for a local hire secratary, obviously in China. Those are not the requirements for FS entry.

edit - Actually there are five cones George... you left out PD (Public Diplomacy).

Javed I

Applicants must address each qualification requirement detailed below with specific and comprehensive information supporting each requirement. Applicants who fail to provide detailed information supporting each requirement will not be considered for this position.

Education:

Minimum of 2 years of college required.
Experience:

1 to 3 years as a secretary.
Language:

Level IV (fluent) English.
Level IV (fluent) Chinese.
Abilities and skills:

Good word processing and computer skills.
Excellent telephone skills.
Able to attend to details in making appointments.
Able to compose letters and memoranda.
Good organizational skills; and,
Able to operate office equipment such as a fax machines, photocopiers, etc.
ADDITIONAL SELECTION CRITERIA
Management will consider nepotism/conflict of interest, budget, and residency status in determining successful candidacy.
Current employees serving a probationary period are not eligible to apply.
EFMs who currently hold a PIT/FMA appointment are ineligible to apply for advertised positions within the first 90 calendar days of that appointment.
TO APPLY:
Interested candidates for this position should submit the following:

For all American Citizens:

Application for Federal Employment (OF-612); or
A current resume or curriculum vitae that provides the same information as an OF-612; plus
Any other documentation (e.g., essays, certificates, awards, copies of degrees earned) that addresses the qualification requirements of the position as listed above.

Do You Have The Funk?

Political Science, with a minor in any language.

Mike Money

mmm... peanut butter

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