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What are the chance of pursuing a career in international relations?

What are the chances of getting into the diplomacy field and is it really an attainable goal. I am a high school junior and am wondering about the difficulty level of becoming an ambassador and want to get a better idea of the obstacles i will have to face to reach my job.

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david’s Answer

One approach is to recognize the political aspects of the job. A way to get involved is to volunteer with a local political party to assist in answering phones, delivering yard signs and whatever else can make you valuable to them. Volunteers are always in short supply, By building a rapport, you can become more involved in future campaigns as you finish HS and pursue college. Also, see if there is a separate committee for junior members where you can become involved. And, generally, volunteers can attend political fundraisers for free. Do that, and be sure to introduce yourself at such events. Make your interests known and help will come. I speak from experience, as I have watched a young member of a local party work hard through HS and college, and attained an internship in Washington for two summers, and now has a position in Washington. As you see, it is a number of steps to become known and work your way up. AL the best.
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Suzanne’s Answer

Absolutely, if you are interested in international relations and in representing the United States as a diplomat you should consider this field! My dad was a journalist who later became a Foreign Service Officer (an FSO/an American diplomat). Keep in mind, there are many people working in the Foreign Service with many different skill sets. Most people are not at the level of "Ambassador" but at lower ranks. (Side note: There is only one ambassador to each country. Some are "career" foreign service officers meaning they have worked their way up the ranks. A smaller number, mostly those posted to prestige or high-profile capitals are "political appointees" meaning the President or their administration has specifically picked them. All ambassadors need to be approved by the Senate.).

Many foreign service officers (diplomats) will have majored in college in a field like international relations because this is interesting to them but there are many potential pathways. Some major in a language or area study, others in economics or even in technical or scientific fields. After college there is a Foreign Service Entrance exam and extensive oral exams and selection interviews. The State Department is working hard to select people representative of our country of all races and backgrounds.

It can be a fascinating career and a great honor to represent your country. By all means, follow your dream!

Suzanne recommends the following next steps:

Check out this website and videos from the US Department of State on careers: https://careers.state.gov
Here is how the process of becoming an FSO really works: https://careers.state.gov/career-paths/worldwide-foreign-service/officer/fso-test-information-and-selection-process/
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