New Foreign Service Officers; Next Foreign Service Exam

The U.S. Department of State today swore in the 105th class of Foreign Service Officers and 62nd class of Foreign Service Specialists at a ceremony in Washington, D.C., with Secretary of State Colin L. Powell administering the oath of office. 

“It’s a source of great joy to me to see that so many young Americans, and not so young Americans, are signing up to become part of the State Department team, to become part of what we like to call the frontline of offense in national security and foreign affairs around the world,” noted Secretary Powell.  ”But from the first day that you go out to your first mission, you are carrying the values of the American people.  You are saying to the rest of the world that we are a nation driven by values, resting on values, a belief in democracy, a belief in the free enterprise system, a belief in the individual rights of men and women.”

Valerie Chittenden, a newly minted Foreign Service Officer, noted, “I’m thrilled to be here today.  I thought long and hard about taking the test and going through the process but it was worth it.  At the end of the day, I’m proud to be serving my country as a Foreign Service Officer and to make a positive difference.”  Ms. Chittenden’s first assignment will be at our embassy in Moscow, where she will utilize her Russian language skills and recent training.

Thousands of Americans are taking the first step toward becoming a Foreign Service Officer by registering for the April 13, 2002 Foreign Service Exam.  Registration deadlines are March 11 in the U.S. and March 4 overseas.

Individuals interested in experiencing a global lifestyle and representing America to the world should register for the exam and take it. The Department's interactive web site, www.careers.state.gov, allows prospective Foreign Service candidates to determine their suitability for a career in the Foreign Service and assess their interest in the five major career tracks we offer: administrative officer, consular officer, public diplomacy officer, economic officer, or political officer.  

Here are some facts to keep in mind about the Foreign Service Written Exam:   

The Foreign Service Exam is challenging for everyone.  Many people, of all different backgrounds, take the exam two and three times before passing it.  This is not unusual.  It is important to order and practice with the study guide and follow the standard advice for any major exam by arriving ready and rested for the exam.

The Department of State needs all types of people and skills. The U.S. Department of State has hundreds of opportunities for U.S. citizens interested in serving as part of the front lines of diplomacy.  The Foreign Service is not just for political science or international affairs graduates. We need people with backgrounds in finance to management to security.  And we want a workforce that reflects the cultural diversity of America. Beyond taking the exam and joining the Department of State as a Foreign Service Officer, you can also join as a Foreign Service Specialist or Civil Service employee.  Log onto www.careers.state.gov and see the variety of opportunities available.

There is training for any language or skill you will need.  Early in your career in the Foreign Service, the Department of State will train you in at least one foreign language. Knowledge of a foreign language is not a prerequisite for joining the Foreign Service.  Extensive training is becoming an integral part of a career at the U.S. Department of State--training in leadership, area studies, and a variety of other skills.

Rewarding careers with benefits you can bank on: Starting salaries for new Foreign Service Officers range from $35,000-$64,500.  This doesn't even begin to count the generous benefits package that includes health insurance, life insurance, our 401 (k) called the Thrift Savings Program and full pensions for career Foreign Service Officers. To learn more about the rewards and benefits of a career as a Foreign Service Officer please visit our recruitment website www.careers.state.gov.

For more information about becoming a Foreign Service Officer with the U.S. Department of State, or to register for the Foreign Service Exam, please visit the Department of State recruitment web site: www.careers.state.gov or call (202) 261-8055.