Foreign Service Officer

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Work Tasks

FOREIGN SERVICE OFFICERS service the diplomatic needs of the United States all over the world. Administrative officers manage financial, human, and other resources that support U.S. foreign policy. Consular officers determine eligibility of foreigners for entry visas into the U.S., monitor migration issues, and protect U.S. citizens abroad. Economic officers work on matters such as money and banking, trade and commerce, environmental issues, etc. Political officers follow political events and report significant developments to Washington. Public diplomacy officers lead activities to define our foreign policy and to explain its political, historical, and cultural foundations.

Salary, Size & Growth

• $193,500 average per year ($93.00 per hour)
• A large occupation (273,500 workers in 2010)
• Expected to decline (0.1% per year)

Entry Requirements

The most successful candidates for FOREIGN SERVICE OFFICER jobs have at least a bachelor's degree and have a broad knowledge of international and domestic affairs, U.S. and world history, government and foreign policy, and American culture. The best preparation includes courses in English, history, government, international relations, geography, management, literature, economics, business, public administration, U.S. politics, political science, languages, social sciences, and international trade. Candidates must be U.S. citizens and be at least 21 years.