If you have come to this blog because you are looking for more information about the U.S. Foreign Service or you’re thinking about becoming a Foreign Service Officer, then I hope this page will provide a little help.
Although I am a Foreign Service Officer (FSO) and I have a blog, this is not necessarily a “Foreign Service blog.” I will write about FS issues from time to time, but I am just as likely to write about non-diplomatic issues, if not more so. This is for several reasons. First, as with any job, a lot of what I do from day-to-day just isn’t worth writing about. Second, some of the most interesting things that happen at work shouldn’t be out in a public forum because of security or simple discretion reasons. This is why so many FS blogs carry disclaimers now. Third, although I am happy in my job, I don’t want to spend all of my free time writing about it.
However, all that said, I do consider my site a potential resource for those looking to join the Service or desiring to learn more about America’s diplomatic and consular corps. Below I have listed some links and sites to get you started.
My earlier blog entries will probably be of more interest to those of you thinking of joining the Foreign Service. In this entry I describe My First Day. Here is a description of “Flag Day” (when we receive our initial assignments) from my better half.
The U.S. Department of State has a nice Careers Website that will give you all of the official information needed for pursuing this path. It also never hurts to see what Wikipedia has to say.
Probably the best way to get an insider’s look into the Foreign Service is by reading the blogs of those living the life. You’ll find a diverse group of people serving around the world and each with their own opinion about the work and lifestyle. The State Department even has its own blog now: Dipnote.
Please click on the Links page to see a selection of Foreign Service blogs. This is by no means a definitive list as the number seems to grow every day, but it should get you started. Some rarely post about Foreign Service life and others do so exclusively. If you have a blog and think it would fit in, please send me an email and I’ll take a look.
