How does one become a United States Diplomat?

Answer 1

Contrary to popular belief, very, very few US diplomats are political appointees. Everybody else is a regular Foreign Service Officer. You become one by taking and passing the foreign service exams, medical and security checks, and by being available for worldwide assignments. The only basic requirements are to be a high school graduate and to be a US citizen on the day you take your oath.

Most FSOs are college graduates, but not all. While some do study foreign affairs and political science, most of us have studied a wide variety of subjects. I, for instance, am an anthropologist. There are also plenty of English and art majors, business majors, everything you can imagine. There is no hiring preference based on education or major, or level - Phd's have to pass the test the same as BA's do.

There is no foreign language requirement. In fact, if you join the service speaking a foreign language already, you will probably not be sent to a country where that language is used. Overseas assignments include, in most cases, either 6, 12, or 24 months of language study. I have formally learned three languages so far in my 21 year career, and one more while I was in the country where I served. Again, there is no favoritism based on prior language study.

Nearly all ambassadors and consuls general are regular FSOs. There are only a handful of political appointees serving as ambassadors (never any other rank) to a few countries. In the other almost-200 countries with which we have diplomatic relations, the ambassadors are simply members of the senior foreign service. And you certainly don't have to "know anyone" or be from an influential family to reach the highest ranks. Most of us come from very ordinary American backgrounds.

Here is a very useful link if you are serious:
http://careers.state.gov/officer/index.html

Answer 2

Go to college and major in International Studies, History, or Political Science and study another language for all four years of college with a year of study in that country.

Then you would want to get a job with the State Department and work your way up.

Political connections are needed to become an ambassador or counsel general in other countries.

Answer 3

go for a degree in either Political Science or International studies. You would need to get atleast a Master's degree in one of these two. And you need to be prepared to take a lot of tests and work from the bottom up. College wise university of denver has a great international studies program. Website for more ideas
http://jobsearch.about.com/od/governmentjobs1/Government_Jobs_Law_Enforcement_Jobs.htm

Answer 4

it's mighty hard, not sure you can do it junior, but heres the requirements;

1. show a total lack of understanding in anything
2. be plain ignorant and preferably stupid
3. be absolutely out of date with the world, the vietnam worlds atill raging right.
4. be showered with gifts and money and show no remorse for taking it despite the fact that you've never worked a minute in your life.
5. be prepared to spend time playing a lot of solitare.

and the clincher;

be prepared to keep a straight face after annocing to everyone your job title.

Answer 5

go to usajobs.opm.gov and search the listings for state departments positions. They have criminal investigators and other positions. some require degrees but some do not.

They will have all the requirements that you need to know about how to apply or if you are eligible.

Answer 6

Be GWB's gay college boyfriend ;)~