State Department Internships > Fall, Spring and Summer (apply in Oct for June 2017 internships)

Careers in Diplomacy

Foreign Service Officer (FSO) is the title used by America’s diplomats.  We are employees of the federal government and our headquarters is the U.S. State Department in Washington.  Our top boss is Secretary of State John Kerry. 

FSOs live and work abroad at more than 270 Embassies and Consulates around the world.  We spend our time representing the United States and communicating with foreign governments, international organizations, and the local citizenry.  Whether in Washington or abroad, we take the lead on America’s foreign policy.

To become an FSO, you must be a U.S. citizen between the ages of 20 and 60, and you must be able to pass the Foreign Service Exam, which is a combination of SAT, U.S. history, world geography, and general knowledge.  Were you good at social studies and history in high school?  Can you write well?  If so, you might be right for this career.  Other than the exam,there are no language or educational requirements to becoming an FSO. 

If this career sounds interesting to you, go to www.careers.state.gov to learn more.  You can take a practice test by clicking on “Register for the FSOT,” or you can just sign up to take the full test in June.  If you want to know more, visit City College’sDiplomat in Residence Usha Pitts.  Ms. Pitts is a Foreign Service Officer with 18 years of experience who has served in Panama, Russia, Cuba, Austria, Italy, and Brazil.  She holds office hours in NAC Room 6/143 on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10:00-1:00 or by appointment at 202-445-9752.  You may also email her at DIRNewYorkMetro@state.gov.    

Note:  The State Department also offers internships at our Embassies and Consulates abroad during the spring, summer, and fall.  The internships are unpaid, but they often provide housing and offer an opportunity to work alongside Foreign Service Officers for three months anywhere in the world.  You can also do your internship in Washington at State Department headquarters.  The due date is usually nine months before the internship starts (to give time for a security clearance) so plan ahead.  For example, you must apply in October 2016 for a June 2017 internship.  Consult with Usha Pitts on the best way to land an internship in the part of the world you want to explore.    

> this email courtesy of Johanna Urena
CCNY - Colin Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership

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