Ask about educational requirements, like professional degrees, preferred fields of study and whether you must become proficient in other languages. Know about other qualifications, such as whether you must be a natural-born citizen and whether you must meet certain age requirements. For example, applicants in the United States must be between the ages of 21 and 59.
Assess your physical readiness. Diplomats must receive medical clearance so that they are able to travel broadly and live in areas with limited access to healthcare facilities. [3] X Research source Determine whether you would pass security clearance. [4] X Trustworthy Source US Department of State Official website of the U. S. Department of State Go to source Governments perform background checks to confirm that applicants have no criminal background, are financially responsible and have not abused drugs or alcohol. Decide whether you possess the right temperament to relocate to any country your government sends you to and to uphold your government’s policies even though you may not agree with them. Reflect on your ability to speak effectively through an interpreter and your ability to negotiate and persuade without antagonizing others. Diplomats also must be able to adapt to living among people of diverse cultures.
American citizens must first pass the Foreign Service Officer’s Exam, a written exam that usually lasts 3 hours. Applicants then sit for oral examinations that measure their personal aptitude to represent the United States government abroad. [8] X Research source Complete a practical training program. The governments of the United States, France and Great Britain all require that prospective diplomats complete further classroom study devoted to the principles of diplomacy. This training also requires them to make frequent trips to government offices where they learn how other branches of government function.
