Becoming a Diplomat

Becoming a Diplomat

Oftentimes, I get questions on why and how I decided to enter the foreign service. It’s a different life than what most have encountered, so I want to share my journey and maybe even inspire a few of you who are curious about this path. Entering into the foreign service has been quite a long process, but looking back, it’s been worth every step.

1. Deciding to Join the Foreign Service
For me, the decision wasn’t made overnight. It’s one of those life paths that requires not only a passion for diplomacy and international relations but also a commitment to public service. I had to be honest with myself about what I wanted: the opportunity to travel, experience new cultures, and work on issues that genuinely impact people’s lives. If you feel a calling to represent your country abroad, and you have a deep desire to bridge gaps and create understanding between cultures, this might be a path worth considering. That was extremely important to me given the vague prospective of African Americans abroad.

2. The Pathway to Becoming a Diplomat
The U.S. Foreign Service has a rigorous entry process that starts with the Foreign Service Officer Test (FSOT). This is a challenging written test covering a wide range of topics, from U.S. history and government to economics and world affairs. My advice? Study broadly and be prepared. The test doesn’t just evaluate your knowledge; it assesses your ability to think critically and apply what you know in complex scenarios.

If you pass the FSOT, the journey continues with a written exam, multiple choice assessment, and oral assessment. This part asks you to reflect on your life and career, demonstrating qualities like leadership, cultural adaptability, and interpersonal skills. As a specialist, I did not have to take the FSOT however my assessments were highly geared toward the facility management career.

3. The Oral Assessment and Security Clearance
Once you clear the initial hurdles, there’s the Oral Assessment, a full-day examination of your ability to communicate, analyze, and collaborate under pressure. It’s intense, and you receive your score to know whether you passed or failed immediately after.

Next comes the security clearance and medical exam. This stage can be long, as it involves background checks to ensure you’re fit to represent the United States abroad.

4. FSI Training
Once accepted, you’ll go through extensive training at the Foreign Service Institute in Virginia. This is where you learn about diplomacy, languages, and more on your specific role. For me, this part felt like stepping into the unknown—a combination of excitement and a bit of intimidation. But remember, you’re not alone; everyone is in this together, and that sense of community is invaluable. I met some wonderful people during this process, people that kept me during rough moments and for that I'm thankful.

5. Living the Diplomat Life
Being a diplomat means adjusting to life in different countries, sometimes in challenging environments. You’re living abroad, representing the United States, building relationships, and working on solutions to international issues. Some days, it’s inspiring and exhilarating; other days, it’s lonely, tiring, and you feel every mile between you and home. But every experience enriches you, and each day brings a deeper understanding of the world and the power of diplomacy.

Is This Path for You?
If you’re passionate about serving others, curious about the world, and ready to dive into a life that’s both rewarding and challenging, then becoming a U.S. diplomat could be for you. It requires resilience, open-mindedness, and a commitment to something larger than yourself.

This journey has been one of growth, self-discovery, and countless lessons in humility. And while it’s not for everyone, for those who feel the call, it’s a path worth every sacrifice. So, if you’re interested, take the first step—research, study, and start preparing. The world is waiting, and your journey to making an impact could start now.

I'm happy to answer any questions you may have, please contact me if you are interested.