Opportunities – Text Version
Opportunities
The U.S. Department of State is currently seeking talented and motivated individuals to fill a number of Foreign Service and Civil Service positions. Be sure to Join Our Talent Network to stay informed on the latest news and opportunities available in the Foreign and Civil Services.
To search and apply for specific positions with the U.S. Department of State, visit the Apply Now page to view all current openings, vacancy announcements, and deadlines for Foreign Service, Civil Service, and Student Program offerings.
Worldwide Opportunities
Foreign Service Officers
Foreign Service Officers (FSOs) deal with a variety of ever-changing challenges, which may include consular services such as screening visa applicants and issuing visas; political initiatives such as observing elections in host countries; or analyzing and reporting on issues such as HIV/AIDS, human rights, fair trade, and technology. Foreign Service Officers work in five different career tracks: Consular, Economic, Management, Political and Public Diplomacy.
Foreign Service Specialists
Foreign Service Specialists are instrumental in the daily operations of U.S. embassies and consulates, as they are responsible for security, safety, and protection of people, technology and structures. We require specific skills in the financial, technical and support services areas. Opportunities exist in six different categories with 19 different specialist careers.
Consular Fellows
The Consular Fellows Program is a limited non-career appointment of up to five years and requires language proficiency in Spanish, Chinese Mandarin, Portuguese, or Arabic, as part of a unique national service program working in U.S. embassies and consulates abroad. Consular Fellows work abroad with foreign citizens seeking to come to the United States and assist U.S. citizens traveling or living abroad.
Internships
Whether you are a student looking for summer employment or an undergraduate/graduate student seeking a substantive internship supporting U.S. foreign policy, there is no limit to how far our student programs can take you.
Unpaid Internship Programs
This unpaid program, for undergraduate or graduate students with a minimum of 60 credit hours or greater, provides the opportunity to work in diplomatic posts throughout the world, as well as in various bureaus located in Washington, D.C. and at Department offices located in Washington, D.C. and around the United States. This unpaid program is designed to provide substantive work experience in foreign affairs.
Pathways Program
This program includes three paid Civil Service programs located in the United States.
Virtual Student Federal Service
The Virtual Student Federal Service (VSFS) is the longest virtual internship in the world. VSFS harnesses technology and a commitment to global service among young people to facilitate new forms of engagement. Working from college and university campuses in the United States and throughout the world, interns are partnered with more than 60 federal agencies and U.S. diplomatic posts overseas.
U.S. Foreign Service Internship Program (USFSIP)
Established in 2014, this merit and needs-based opportunity is available to undergraduate rising sophomore and junior students with a 3.2 GPA or higher, who are available to participate in two consecutive summer internships.
Foreign Service Fellowships
The U.S. Department of State offers unique and innovative internships and professional development opportunities for graduate, post-graduate and experienced professionals across disciplines. You will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to gain insight into U.S. foreign policy and diplomacy, while exploring new career avenues.
Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Program
The Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Program honors former Congressman Rangel for his long-standing and vocal support for showing the world the diversity that is the strength of America, as well as his example of global leadership, by encouraging diverse individuals to pursue a career in diplomacy.
Foreign Affairs Information Technology Fellowship (FAIT)
The Foreign Affairs IT Fellowship (FAIT) is designed to attract outstanding students to prepare for a career applying their technology skills in support of the business of diplomacy as Information Management Specialists.
Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Graduate Fellowship Program
The Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Graduate Fellowship Program honors one of the most distinguished and capable American diplomats of the latter half of the 20th century.
Domestic Opportunities
Civil Service
As a Civil Service employee, you’ll support U.S. foreign policy right here in the United States. You’ll help further our principles and diplomatic initiatives worldwide through conscientious work in the United States. In short, Civil Service professionals are dedicated to improving the world in which we live.
Civil Service professionals work on everything from improving trade opportunities for U.S. businesses, to helping American couples adopt children from overseas, to monitoring human rights issues.