When do candidates for Foreign Service Generalist choose a career track?

Candidates to join the Department of State as Foreign Service Officers/Generalists are required to choose one of five career tracks (Consular, Economic, Management, Political, or Public Diplomacy) when they register for the Foreign Service Officer Test (FSOT). The Department collects this career track information for workforce planning purposes, so as to accurately assess a candidate’s background and qualifications throughout the selection process. Candidates are urged to research and consider carefully the options before they choose.   
While all FSOs are known as “generalists”, the choice of a functional specialization will determine what type of work you will do for the majority of your career. You can get more details about each career track by going to the Officer Career Track page. We know that this can be a tough decision, so we’ve developed a questionnaire to help you match your interests to the career track that may be right for you.