Why Should Someone Become a Diplomat?

Why Should Someone Become a Diplomat?

Why should someone become a diplomat? First of all, being a diplomat is more than a job—it is a unique and exciting lifestyle you cannot get any other way. Many people live abroad: businesspeople, exchange students, educators, aid workers, other NGO workers, military personnel, security contractors, missionaries, people who marry a foreign national and remain abroad, people who just want to wander, and many others. You will meet all these people during your work in the Foreign Service, and most of them will look at you with envy. They will often say they have applied to become a diplomat or want to apply. So why is the Foreign Service the best option for living abroad and seeing the world? As we often say in the State Department, here is the “bottom line up front”: No other career abroad gives you the combination of meaningful work, broad contacts, access, influence, financial security, career stability, prestige, and adventure that the Foreign Service offers. Some other avenues for living abroad have advantages in some of these areas, but the Foreign Service combines them all at a high level.

Reason 1: Your Work Makes a Difference

Reason 2: You Constantly Learn New Things, and Get Rewarded for It

Reason 3: The Compensation and Benefits

Reason 4: Your Family Can Also Have Enriching Opportunities and Unique Experiences

Reason 5: You Become Part of a Community, Which Is Forever Changing and Expanding

Reason 6: You Choose Your Own Adventure and Every Day is Different

Reason 7: You Experience Different Cultures and Gain New Perspectives

Reason 8: You See Parts of the World that Few Others Can Experience

Reason 9: You Meet All Kinds of Interesting People, and Have Memorable Interactions

Reason 10: The Lifestyle is Unbeatable