http://www.jobster.com/at/person/show/11461?hbxcmp=feed&hbxsrc=rss_user_answers http://www.jobster.com/at/assets/images/jobster/logos/rss_logo.gif http://www.jobster.com/at/person/show/11461?hbxcmp=feed&hbxsrc=rss_user_answers Wed, 05 Dec 2007 14:07:37 GMT Most recently updated answers by U.S. Department of State http://www.jobster.com/at/answer/view/340932?answer_class=AnswerBase There is no "secret" to getting hired at State. You have to want it, and you have to work for it!!! Being a Foreign Service Officer means having a real sense of commitment to public service, an interest in living overseas and experiencing new and different cultures, an understanding of international issues, and a the ability to learn languages. Being a Civil Service Officer requires having the right knowledge, skills, and abilities to fulfill the position requirements, in addition believing in public service and supporting U.S. foreign policy. The skills and experiences I have gained as a Foreign Service Officer have been invaluable and unforgettable. As an African-American and a person of color, I believe it is critical that we are represented in America's diplomatic services. I am proud to officially represent our country to the governments and people of the world. Wed, 05 Dec 2007 14:07:37 GMT http://www.jobster.com/at/answer/view/340932?answer_class=AnswerBase http://www.jobster.com/at/answer/view/109078?answer_class=AnswerBase Each of my assignments has had its own highlights. As a Consular/Political Officer in Mali from 2001 to 2003, I was responsible for approving all applications for non-immigrant visas to the U.S. as well as ensuring the safety and well-being of all U.S. citizens in country. In addition, I monitored Presidential elections in Timbuktu, helped the Government of Mali to develop their national military/counter-terrorist capacity, and oversaw a special fund to provide small development grants to local groups. As the deputy spokesperson (Assistant Information Officer) in South Africa from 2003 to 2005, I coordinated press conferences and interviews with the South African and international press, wrote speeches for the Ambassador, and spoke to local audiences about U.S. foreign policy on a range of issues. And as Haiti Desk Officer at the main Department of State building in Washington DC from 2005 to 2007, I was actively involved in help that country to hold successful Presidential and Parliamentary elections in 2006, following the departure of former President Aristide in February 2004. Tue, 04 Dec 2007 19:51:51 GMT http://www.jobster.com/at/answer/view/109078?answer_class=AnswerBase http://www.jobster.com/at/answer/view/340462?answer_class=AnswerBase The U.S. Department of State consists of the Foreign Service and the Civil Service. Foreign Service Officers (FSOs) advocate American foreign policy, protect American citizens, and promote American business interest, serving at our over 265 embassies, consulates and other diplomatic missions. Similarly, the Civil Service supports the foreign policy efforts of the Department of State and works mostly in the Department's Washington, D.C. headquarters location, or other cities throughout the United States. To join the Foreign Service, one must successfully complete the Foreign Service Selection process, which includes a registration and personal narrative, the Foreign Service Officer Test (FSOT), the Qualifications Evaluation Panel, and the Oral Assessment. There is no "secret" to navigating this process. The Department of State is looking for dynamic individuals with a commitment to public service, a sense of adventure, and strong language skills. As a representative of the United States, individuals should also have a firm grasp of U.S. government, history, culture, and society, current domestic and global current affairs, and economics. Foreign Service Officers must also have strong spoken and written language skills. To join the civil service, an individual must identify the area in which they are interested in working and apply directly to that position. Information about available civil service positions at the U.S. Department of State can be found at www.usajobs.gov. Tue, 04 Dec 2007 19:36:48 GMT http://www.jobster.com/at/answer/view/340462?answer_class=AnswerBase http://www.jobster.com/at/answer/view/181787?answer_class=AnswerBase If I weren't a diplomat, I might like to be a journalist. The opportunity for worldwide travel is the same and the people that journalists and diplomats meet are similar. However, US diplomats probably enjoy better salaries, living conditions and benefits than most journalists. Tue, 04 Dec 2007 20:28:38 GMT http://www.jobster.com/at/answer/view/181787?answer_class=AnswerBase http://www.jobster.com/at/answer/view/181788?answer_class=AnswerBase The Department of State Foreign Service was and is my first real job. Tue, 04 Dec 2007 20:26:23 GMT http://www.jobster.com/at/answer/view/181788?answer_class=AnswerBase http://www.jobster.com/at/answer/view/181792?answer_class=AnswerBase This profession requires a love of change, ability to learn languages, sensitivity to foreign cultures, and a very strong sense of adventure. Tue, 04 Dec 2007 20:25:57 GMT http://www.jobster.com/at/answer/view/181792?answer_class=AnswerBase http://www.jobster.com/at/answer/view/181793?answer_class=AnswerBase I received the Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship (previously the Woodrow Wilson Foreign Affairs Fellowship) when I was a sophomore in college. As a result, I participated in two State Department summer internships (one domestic and one international) prior to joining the Foreign Service. Tue, 04 Dec 2007 20:25:27 GMT http://www.jobster.com/at/answer/view/181793?answer_class=AnswerBase http://www.jobster.com/at/answer/view/340503?answer_class=AnswerBase What I am doing right now! Tue, 04 Dec 2007 20:21:51 GMT http://www.jobster.com/at/answer/view/340503?answer_class=AnswerBase