Greetings everyone,
I have been reading all the answers as well as information on becoming a Foreign Service Officer but I am hoping to get some answers regarding my specific situation.
I am a 27 year old College student who is majoring in Global/International Studies. I will not graduate for another 3 years as I am currently working full time. I am fully literate in English and Arabic, a US Citizen, and have work experience in International Marketing, Sales and Tech. Support. I have travelled to several ME countries as well as other regions and would love to follow a diplomatic path within the Foreign Service.
Note: I do have a misdimenor on my record, however, and I am worried that it would hinder my chances for obtaining a security clearence. I have a DUI on my record.
I was wondering if you could please be most helpful in what you think my chances are for becoming a FSO in the diplomatic sector.
Realistically, do you think that my chances are solid for being accepted?
Is my major a wise choice for entering this field?
Should I get my degree first before applying?
What should I study to prepare for the FSO exam?
Would they accept me while I am still in college?
If my chances are slim, would I have better chances with the USAID?
Do I need a Masters to join the USAID or could I atleast enter with an undergraduate degree?
What are the requirements for becoming a JO for the USAID if all else fails?
Are there other companies/organizations that would hire me if the aforementioned agencies do not?
Ultimately, what would be the easiest/quickest or most guaranteed way for me to enter the diplomatic field and work both here and overseas in an exciting and fullfilling career?
I apologize if this comes off as too many questions, but I did not want to leave any stone unturned. I greatly appreciate all the information that you give regarding my specific situation.
Thank you very much in advance and enjoy the rest of your day! 
Joe is right.
To join the foreign service, you must pass the written and oral exams. It might or might not help to have studied certain subjects, since the tests range widely: the service wants well-rounded individuals with excellent judgment. If you need skills, including language, for a particular assignment, you will be taught them. To study for the exam, read widely and try the sample tests available on the web or in books to get an idea of what to expect.
You will not be sent to a country with which you are familiar and whose language you already speak early in your career. Why not? Because you have to prove that you can function well anywhere, not just somewhere you already know.
You do not have to be a college graduate to join. If you are still a student, don’t expect to be able to finish your degree. You will be oriented, trained, then packed off to somewhere far, far away for at least two years to work more than full time. When those two years are over, you will be sent somewhere else to do that again.
You can be accepted if you have a misdemeanor on your record. However, as Joe notes, DUI is a felony. Will they hire you with a felony record? I don’t know.
Sure, there are companies and international organizations that might hire you. But you won’t be a diplomat if you work for one of them. There is no easier, faster, or guaranteed way to become a diplomat than to pass the the tests and pay your dues.
Here’s the official website, Hillary will answer all your questions:
http://careers.state.gov/
References :
You have a misdemeanor? What is a DUI ?
I do have a misdemeanor on my record, however, and I am worried that it would hinder my chances for obtaining a security clearance. I have a DUI on my record.
A DUI is NOT a misdemeanor – it is a felony. Anything you can be jailed for is a felony.
I doubt you will get accepted – think about it – we want to put our best people in the field to represent our country – with a DUI on your record it shows that you are not responsible and can’t make good decisions.
Good luck. USAID may be easier if you’re a tree hugger…but even then with a DUI….
References :
Been there done that 10 years +
Joe is right.
To join the foreign service, you must pass the written and oral exams. It might or might not help to have studied certain subjects, since the tests range widely: the service wants well-rounded individuals with excellent judgment. If you need skills, including language, for a particular assignment, you will be taught them. To study for the exam, read widely and try the sample tests available on the web or in books to get an idea of what to expect.
You will not be sent to a country with which you are familiar and whose language you already speak early in your career. Why not? Because you have to prove that you can function well anywhere, not just somewhere you already know.
You do not have to be a college graduate to join. If you are still a student, don’t expect to be able to finish your degree. You will be oriented, trained, then packed off to somewhere far, far away for at least two years to work more than full time. When those two years are over, you will be sent somewhere else to do that again.
You can be accepted if you have a misdemeanor on your record. However, as Joe notes, DUI is a felony. Will they hire you with a felony record? I don’t know.
Sure, there are companies and international organizations that might hire you. But you won’t be a diplomat if you work for one of them. There is no easier, faster, or guaranteed way to become a diplomat than to pass the the tests and pay your dues.
References :
I am a US diplomat for 25+ years