U.S. Department of State's answers

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....

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....