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Students interested in careers in the Foreign Service are invited to an evening of information and networking with seasoned career government diplomats and Foreign Service Officers, including former U.S. ambassadors, on Monday, April 15, at George Mason University’s Fairfax Campus.
The event, which features U.S. Department of State representatives meeting students for question-and-answer periods, takes place at Merten Hall, Room 1201, from 6 to 8 p.m. It is sponsored by the Schar School of Policy and Government, Global Affairs, and University Career Services.
Graduate and undergraduates are welcome, and, adds Stephanie Hutchinson, the Diplomat in Residence for the Mid-Atlantic region, the event is “not just for public policy and public affairs majors—all majors are encouraged to attend.”
With some 14,000 professional positions in the Foreign Service, the State Department is in constant need of new college graduates to represent the United States in countless capacities around the world.
“It's important to keep in mind that there are jobs in the Foreign Service for not just people who want to be diplomats, but also for those who make diplomacy work, like computer specialists, engineers, and even medical professionals,” said Greg Delawie, former ambassador to Kosovo. He’s now an adjunct professor at the Schar School.
The April 15 session is designed to answer questions those curious about the Foreign Service may have, but, said Schar School professor and former ambassador to Azerbaijan and Bosnia and Herzegovina Richard Kauzlarich, “navigating the pathway to a position is straightforward,” and recommends visiting the Foreign Service Officer Five Step Selection Process website for details (the site can be accessed at this address.)
“To become a foreign service officer, you need to pass the foreign service exam,” said Carol Stricker, a former diplomat at postings for more than 25 years from Angola to Zimbabwe, who also has a 2012 master of education degree from Mason. “I've met a number of Mason students over the years, and they've been impressive. I have no doubt that Mason students will do well on the Foreign Service exam.”
Stricker’s 2020 book, Bombs, Bullets and the Tank at the Office, Protecting America on Diplomacy's Front Lines, includes, among recounting adventures from her postings, an overview of the key tests candidates are required to take.
Foreign Service Officers have their overseas housing paid for, receive healthcare, a pension, and other benefits.
“People will be happier heading into a State career if they are motivated by service, the ability to make a positive difference in the world, and patriotism, rather than by money,” Delawie said.
“The most rewarding aspect of a foreign service career is the opportunity to serve and represent the United States at home and abroad,” said Kauzlarich, whose wife Anne was part of the team representing the country and will provide insight as to family life as a diplomat at the event. “Each assignment—from being a first tour officer at the U.S. Embassy in Lomé, Togo, to being the U.S. Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina—reminded me that being a diplomat was challenging and rewarding.”