Career Navigator: Finding the Path that Works for You
Welcome to the most fascinating career in the world.
The U.S. Department of State is the lead U.S. foreign affairs agency.
We begin our mission of diplomacy in Washington, D.C., where we hire Foreign Service, Civil Service and Student employees to work at our offices
in the U.S. and over 265 posts abroad. Join us in helping shape a freer, more secure and prosperous world as we formulate, represent and implement U.S. foreign policy.
Video Transcript: (Photo of Richard, Foreign Service Officer, Management Career Track)
"What appealed to me most about the foreign service was the ability to help people. I currently work in the Office of the Secretary of State. We’re the face of America to the world. We value differences, we value different cultures. You can’t help but feel pride in what you do."
Foreign Service Officers (FSOs) help formulate and implement the foreign policy of the United States. An essential part of the frontline personnel at all U.S. embassies, consulates, and diplomatic missions, they will be found at more than 265 locations worldwide as well as in Washington, D.C.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT FOREIGN SERVICE OFFICERS
BECOME A FOREIGN SERVICE OFFICER
MEET OUR PEOPLE
Video Transcript: (Photo of Catherine, Foreign Service Specialist, Financial Management Officer.)
"It's a sense of adventure, a sense of pride. I'm a CPA, I have a Master's in Accounting, and I had friends who joined big accounting firms. And I look at what I’ve done, I’ve lived all around the world. I have a richer experience of life. "
Foreign Service Specialists provide professional expertise in support of foreign policy at one of more than 265 posts worldwide or in Washington, D.C. Specialists are an integral part of a team dedicated to representing America's interests in other countries.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT A FOREIGN SERVICE SPECIALIST CAREER
CHOOSE YOUR AREA OF EXPERTISE
MEET OUR PEOPLE
Video Transcript: (Photo of April, Civil Service, HR Specialist)
"The State Department just gives you so many career opportunities. I see our mission as bringing peace and bringing the world together. I get to be involved with everything that is going on behind the scenes. And that's what gives you a sense of fulfillment."
Student Programs enable students to obtain job experience in a foreign affairs environment. Some of our students work in Washington, D.C., while others have the opportunity to work at U.S. embassies and consulates abroad.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT STUDENT PROGRAMS
CHOOSE A STUDENT PROGRAM
MEET OUR PEOPLE
Video Transcript: (Photo of Sally, Civil Service, Foreign Affairs Officer.)
"We really stand for life, liberty, pursuit of happiness, and my job is to fight Trafficking of Persons world wide. In five years in trafficking we have seen truly over a hundred countries improve their laws. I don’t think there is any other place I could do that. I love my job!"
Civil Service employees support the foreign policy mission from offices in Washington, D.C. and across the nation. Join us in helping to shape a freer, more secure and prosperous world as we formulate, represent and implement U.S. foreign policy. There are many exciting possibilities!
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT A CIVIL SERVICE CAREER
CHOOSE A CAREER PATH
MEET OUR PEOPLE
Links to other pages of the site
Finding the path that works for you.
View opportunities and information.
View all currently open vacancies and positions.
Register for the Foreign Service Officer Test.
Version 1
Hello,
I’m Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, and I would like to welcome you to, and thank you for visiting, our careers web site.
This is your world. This is your America.
Choosing to become involved in diplomacy, and representing America to the world, offers untold rewards.
You have the ability to affect global change and impact people’s lives. You will be a vital part of history in the making — making a difference and contributing to our global communities.
You will have experiences to treasure for a lifetime, and an extraordinary sense of pride and accomplishment.
So I invite you to explore our site, and learn how you can show the world a side of America it has never seen.
Version 2
Welcome to careers.state.gov.I’m Condoleezza Rice, and I would like to thank you for visiting our site.
This is your world. This is your America.
Consider a career with the U.S. Department of State and join us in communicating to the world that America is truly diverse, represented by people with unique perspectives from every culture, race, religion, skill set, and educational background.
We’re part of the global community, united by our common values: democracy, liberty and the dignity of every life.
Help us affect global change and impact people’s lives by working for America; working for the U.S. Department of State. You can make a difference and contribute to our global society.
I invite you to explore our site, and learn how you can show the world a side of America it has never seen. You.