How can one become a diplomat for a country?

Question

What education and experience does a person need in order to become a diplomat for a country like the United States?

Answer 1

I think your question is about being a diplomat and not the Ambassador. Although it is true in many country including the US that the Ambassadors are appointed through many other reasons besides promotion through ranks and files of the experiences and years of services in the State Department, I believe there are also a number of Ambassador being appointed from within the State Department, or what we called a career diplomat.
Actually, which is your question to which the answer is yes any one can become the diplomat of a country. And, how? Previously even to be a diplomat, a level of connection with the sovereign or the ruler of each country is needed, being member of the royalties or in the military state being in high ranking military officer, who in most cases being expelled from the centre of power.
These days, anyone can be diplomat by having a decent degree in social science from reputed universities usually from your home country or from the US, UK or France. I have spent ten years in foreign services throughout which time I also received a scholarship for masters, in politics and economics.
Generally, the most direct study to become a diplomat is to do the political science degree, with major in foreign relations. Although, foreign office do accept degree in other social science branches like economic, philosophy, law, sociology, or even liberal arts, but the degree in political science foreign relations is the most direct study. I would recommend strongly on the diplomatic history, since I believe that the true core diplomacy can only be studied and understanding achieved through the study of diplomatic history. Now, there are many studies on the many theories of international relations, but I still think that these theories are very new science and they are only indicative to foreign relations, whereas the history of international relations is the core knowledge in diplomacy.
With other degree of social science you may serve in other part of the foreign services; being legal department, consular department or even department of protocol, but political science and economics will give a good background knowledge in diplomacy and may give you a posting in political department or what now call regional bureaus. Now, you can also be specialised in any regions like the middle-east, Europe, or far-east.
How to become a diplomat? You should contact US state department and take an exam which may involve in written, oral exams and they may also run a background check on you. This process may take very long, like a year. Your education and background will determine which section or part of the foreign services you are assigned to after you got in. Foreign languages help also in the consideration in both the entrance as well as your career advancement and posting placement should you decide on a foreign services and not home services (i.e. home services do not get on tour or postings at embassies, or at least not many, may be two postings throughout your career whereas the foreign services may not return home at all.)
Hope that helps.

Answer 2

To be an ambassador, one needs political connections. The best way to do this is to be born rich or make a lot of money.

There are two tracks into the diplomatic core. They are technical and general. The technical diplomats will negotiate the details of a treaty based upon their expertise the the administration's stance. To do this, get a PhD in a field that is likely to see international treaties drafted.

The other option is to be hired as a Foreign Service Officer.
http://careers.state.gov/officer/index.html
Generally you need a masters, skills in multiple language, willingness to go wherever they tell you to and a lot of determination. I have known several very impressive people that have tested, interviewed and did not get in. Oh yea, prior governmental service helps.

The other way to be considered a diplomat (and this is a technicality more than anything) is to become really really sneaky and spy on people for us. They aren't really diplomats, but are often stationed out of embassies and have the passports.

Answer 3

Major in Foreign Diplomacy or International Law so that you could apply for a work in the Foreign Affairs and be appointed as a diplomat to represent your country overseas.

Answer 4

Follow Monica Lewinsky or opt for professional qualifications and get a job with credentials

Answer 5

Ambassadorships are generally rewards for campaign contributions. For lesser positions, you might try getting a job with the Department of State.

Answer 6

except that you want to be a politician.