Foreign service officers work around the world carrying out diplomatic duties of the United States by interacting with local governments, assisting Americans traveling abroad and working with US consulates and emissaries. To become a foreign service officer, you must pass the Foreign Service Officer's Exam.
Instructions
1. Complete the registration. This process includes completing an application form and preparing a personal narrative. Your personal narrative must include the following to be considered a candidate for the Foreign Service Officer's Exam: a description of your knowledge of foreign service and what skills and abilities you will bring to the job.
2. Stay abreast of current affairs. You will be asked question regarding current US affairs. The US State Department suggests you read a few of the following periodicals regularly: US News and World Report, Time, The Economist, Newsweek and one major daily newspaper such as The Wall Street Journal or The New York Times.
3. Know proper English language usage. Pick up the following recommended books: "Chicago Manual of Style: The Essential Guide for Writers, Editors and Publishers" and the most recent edition of "The Elements of Style."
4. Study US culture, history, foreign policy, politics, world history and world geography. Read books such as "A Narrative History of an American Republic" by J.W. Davidson and "The Politics of United States Foreign Policy" by J. Rosati.
5. Identify US Consular and Immigration duties and policies. The US State Department recommends the following for these subjects: "Immigration Law Stories" by D. Martin and P. Schuck and "Laws Harsh as Tigers" by L. Saylor.
6. Learn about US economics and public policy. Study both micro and macroeconomics as well as books about US public policy.
7. Comprehend management and human behavior theories. This includes the basic fundamentals of management and organizational behavior.
8. Prepare for the oral interview. During the selection process, you will be given an oral interview by the selection panel to assess your knowledge, skills and abilities as they apply to foreign service officer duties.
Tags: Officer Exam, Service Officer Exam, current affairs, foreign service, Foreign Service, Foreign Service Officer, foreign service officer