U.S. Department of State Jobs and Profile

Diplomacy: The U.S. Department of State at Work

The U.S. Department of State is our nation’s lead foreign affairs agency, leveraging its positive influence to promote global peace and prosperity. Its role is pivotal in ushering in a new era of American diplomacy, moving foreign policy forward and in a direction that is smart and sound, pragmatic and principled.

Under the Secretary of State — the President’s principal adviser and ranking Cabinet member — the United States maintains diplomatic relations with 189 of the 191 countries in the world, as well as many international organizations.

Careers Unlike Any Other: Foreign Service and Civil Service

Representing the American people on behalf of the U.S. Department of State, the Foreign Service and the Civil Service achieve the goals and implement the initiatives of our foreign policy. Richly diverse and purposeful, these dedicated employees bring a wealth of skills, cultural backgrounds and career experiences together to strengthen our democracy as we work with other nations to resolve the world’s most urgent problems.

The Foreign Service is America ’s voice overseas — serving our country’s diplomatic needs at over 265 embassies, consulates and missions. Over 11,000 strong, they are America ’s first line of defense in this complex world, and the first responders to our citizens in other countries. It has two divisions, both with a global presence: Foreign Service Specialists, who provide important technical, support and administrative services; and Foreign Service Officers (FSOs), who advocate our foreign policy, protect American citizens abroad and promote our business interests abroad.

FSOs often apply the skills and experiences they acquired in the private sector to one of five challenging career tracks.  Presently, there is a worldwide need for:

Management Officers, who help run an embassy, consulate or other diplomatic post

Economic Officers, who help America protect and advance U.S. interests abroad

Consular Officers, who help Americans and welcome foreign citizens

Whatever your choice, you’ll find that a Foreign Service career is a rewarding way of life, offering outstanding benefits, opportunities and occasional hardships.

With approximately 9,000 Civil Service employees headquartered primarily in Washington D.C. , these staff members are involved in all Department areas — from human rights and narcotics control to trade to environmental issues. They also are the domestic counterparts to consular officers abroad, issuing passports and assisting U.S. citizens overseas.

An Opportunity to Grow: Student Programs

The U.S. Department of State has a number of prestigious internships and fellowships that give students valuable job experience in a challenging and exciting foreign affairs environment. Many of our students work in Washington , D.C. , while others have the opportunity to work at one of our U.S. embassies and consulates abroad.

Explore the possibilities of working with dedicated employees whose diverse backgrounds, ideas and experiences will help renew America’s global leadership — and put our country and our world on a path to peace and prosperity.

To learn more, visit careers.state.gov.

Show the world a side of America it has never seen.  You.

 

careers.state.gov