A foreign service officer (FSO) is a member of the United States Foreign Service who is employed by the Department of State. They perform various diplomatic services on behalf of the United States. Embassies, consulates, and various other diplomatic missions are all common types of organizations for which FSOs may work.
FSOs play a key role in maintaining and furthering internal relations goals and operations. Their specific daily tasks depend on their particular role, but generally, these professionals help to develop and enforce foreign policy, maintain the safety of American citizens, and manage various diplomatic matters.
Necessary Skills for a Foreign Service Officer
The specific skills that you need to succeed as an FSO will depend significantly on your particular role. However, some skills commonly beneficial for success include:
- Interpersonal skills: FSOs have to interact with many different people on a regular basis, and often have to influence or direct them in various ways.
- Communication skills: FSOs need strong written and spoken communication skills to convey and understand important communications.
- Adaptability: FSOs need to be able to work effectively in a variety of different environments with a variety of different people.
- Cultural sensitivity: FSOs need to understand cultural expectations and use that understanding to more effectively negotiate communications with people around the world.
- Analytical skills: FSOs need to interpret communications and events and glean important information from them.
- Language proficiency: FSOs often benefit from being multilingual, as they work with many people around the world.
FSOs also need to regularly update their knowledge and hone their skills on an ongoing basis. Foreign relations is an evolving field and therefore successful FSOs need to evolve along with it.
Foreign Service Officer Education and Experience Requirements
Aspiring FSOs often will have a better chance of pursuing this career if they obtain formal education and can explain relevant experience to potential employers.
Educational background for FSOs often includes a bachelor’s or master’s degree in an applicable field of study such as political science, international relations, global business administration, global affairs, economics, or foreign language.
Relevant experience for a career as an FSO includes study abroad, work abroad, and international volunteer placements. Additionally, any experience that helped you develop the skills discussed above can be beneficial to your application. For example, if you spent time in a role where you had to communicate with others using your second language in the past, that could qualify as relevant experience.
Further, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements set by the U.S. Department of State:
- Proof of U.S. citizenship as of the day you submit your registration;
- A minimum age of 20 years old and a maximum age of 59 years of age on the day you submit your registration;
- A minimum age of 21 years old and a maximum age of 60 on the day you are appointed as a Foreign Service Officer;
- Availability for worldwide assignments.
Further, though not required, skills such as foreign language proficiency can improve your competitiveness for an FSO role.
Foreign Service Officer Test (FSOT) Registration
The foreign service officer test (FSOT) is meant to test knowledge relevant to a position as an FSO, and people pursuing this career path are required to complete it.
Aspiring FSOs need to complete a registration process before taking the test. The steps in the registration process are as follows:
- Apply for the FSOT.
- Complete the foreign service officer assessment.
- Provide proof of minimum medical requirements.
- Gain Top Secret security clearance through a formal background investigation.
- Present a positive evaluation of suitability from a review panel.
- Apply for additional credits toward your ranking in The Register.
- Join an orientation class.
- Accept a final offer.
Typical Duties of a Foreign Service Officer
The duties of an FSO can vary significantly depending on the particular role. That said, specializations as an FSO fall under five major categories or “cones” — the consular cone, the political cone, the administrative cone, the economic cone, and the public diplomacy cone — each of which has its own typical responsibilities.
Consular Cone
Consular officers usually encounter tasks related to public-facing bureaucratic processes. They facilitate processes such as international adoptions, evacuations, and border monitoring. These are often managerial positions meant to help navigate legal hurdles and facilitate crisis response efforts.
Political Cone
Political offers analyze political events and negotiate with the officials of other countries. They also often work in an advising role, offering insights related to their analyses of political events. Monitoring foreign activities and anticipating their potential impact on the U.S. is a key aspect of this role.
Administrative Cone
Administrative officers (also known as management officers) fill various leadership roles. They often oversee local staff in locations abroad and develop important contacts. They also work to maintain efficient operations within their organization.
Economic Cone
Economic officers complete various tasks related to assessing and managing economic and trade issues both domestically and abroad. Much of their job relates to negotiation and coordination with other countries regarding various economic concerns. Their end goal is to promote economic prosperity in the U.S., as well as any other countries to whom they’re seeking to provide an economic boost.
Public Diplomacy Cone
Public diplomacy officers communicate information about international policy and affairs to the public and seek to promote the goals of their employer in those communications — similar to the role of a public relations professional. They seek to not only educate Americans, but also others around the world. They do this through various foreign relations programs and media publications and appearances.
Foreign Service Officer Salary and Job Outlook
The typical salary for FSOs falls between $45,290 and $132,354 per year. These careers also offer various employment benefits, such as life insurance, holiday pay, and paternal leave.
It’s difficult to definitively determine the job outlook for FSOs, as there are many different roles and the need for various positions can change depending on shifts in American foreign policy. However, a job as an FSO can be exciting and fulfilling. What’s more, it may even open many other career doors for you, as it provides relevant and desirable experience that can be applied in many different areas, such as finance and consulting.