U.S. Department of State

Have you taken the self-assessment on this site to see which career track may suit you best?  Public Diplomacy deals with culture and education, but so do some positions in USAID.  The English Language Officer and Information Resource Center Specialist positions also work in these areas.  To the extent that such issues pertain to stability, governance, and development, the political and economic carer tracks also work with them.  In choosing a career track the determining factor should be what you will enjoy doing for the next 20 or so years, not necessarily what your previous work points to.  The Department will provide you with training specific to the position to which you will be assigned.

Dear Foreign Service,

For the past three years I have developed a strong interest in the Foreign Service; however, I have not been able to find an appropriate track that capitalizes on my background and interests. 

I recently graduated with a PhD degree with a focus on education, culture, and technology.  Additionally I bring to the table a strong professional background with ten years of experience in college teaching, education program development, assessment, and technology. I would like to serve in a capacity that capitalizes on this background, while at the same time advancing US interests abroad through educational, cultural, and technological type initiatives.

From your perspective, which Foreign Service officer track would be a good fit for these skills? 

Thanks.

TK.

Thank you for the response.

I have taken the self assessment.  The management and the public diplomacy track were the areas that were determined a fit. I know I have strong interest in advocating for and promoting US values in Africa and in South East Asia through education, new media technology, and cultural related initiatives.  Perhaps the Public Diplomacy may be a good fit. 

Thanks again,

T.K.