Diplomat-in-Residence, Kathryn Crockart, came to SMU to present information on how to apply for a career at the U.S. Department of State. The Department of State is the diplomatic wing of the federal government, handling foreign affairs and the promotion of American foreign policy throughout the world. As the lead foreign affairs agency, the Department of State represents the U.S. at embassies, consulates, and missions to international organizations around the world. With 70,672 employees in 275 posts in 190 countries, the Department of State has many diverse career paths and opportunities; no career is the same.
The Department of State believes that great public policy comes from diversity and encourages students of all backgrounds to research the positions and apply. Students interested in a Foreign Service career within the Department of State can take the Career Track Quiz. The different tracks in the Foreign Service are Consular Affairs, Economic Affairs, Political Affairs, and Public Diplomacy; one must select a track when registering to take the Foreign Service Officer Test, which is the first step in the official application process.
Check out the following links to learn more about:
The Foreign Service Generalist/Officer process
The Foreign Service Specialist process (Medical Professionals, Engineers, IT Specialists & more)
The Consular Fellows Program (Salaried positions for those who speak Spanish, Arabic, Mandarin-Chinese, or Portuguese)
The Civil Service process (Domestic positions)
Department of State internships
Graduate School Fellowships (paid):
Pickering Fellowship
Rangel Fellowship
You can also find more information in our Becoming a Foreign Service Officer/Specialist brochure and in our list of Frequently Asked Questions.
Opportunities are available in Domestic and Civil service and Worldwide and Foreign Service, as well as various Pathways Programs for undergraduates and recent graduates and Professional Fellowships for advanced degrees.