The U.S. Department of State, more commonly known as the State Department, works hand-in-hand with the executive branch of the government to carry out foreign policy and international relations. In other words, the U.S. Department of State “is the lead institution for the conduct of American diplomacy,” an email from the department’s public affairs office tells ClearanceJobs.
The department has two branches—civil and foreign services—which offer distinct career tracks and opportunities for those interested in working there. But no matter the division, department employees work to promote and demonstrate democratic values and advance “a free, peaceful, and prosperous world,” according to the email. If that sounds like the kind of work you’d like to do, here is everything you need to know about working for the department, and snagging a job.
What it’s like to work at the U.S. Department of State
According to the department’s public affairs office, the U.S. Department of State has historically “been listed as one of the best and most coveted places to work, both in the federal government and in general—listed with the likes of Facebook, Google, NASA, and the CIA.” That might be, in part, due to the fact the department has worked hard to create a culture of engagement, it says.
The State Department is committed to career development, the email says, and offers mentoring and training opportunities to help employees advance their careers or pivot into other positions.
Employees of the State Department also enjoy several wellness programs, such as on-site health, fitness, and childcare facilities, as well as eldercare support services. And those employees with student loan debt may also qualify for student loan repayment opportunities, the email explains.
What you need to apply
Though it varies by position, most people who work for the U.S. Department of State will need a Top Secret security clearance. For example, an accountant working for the State Department will need a top-secret security clearance, but a program officer needs only a secret security clearance.
According to the department’s public affairs office email, “the department seeks intelligent and creative strategic-thinkers with excellent communication skills,” and it “values a talented workforce that reflects and champions all of our strengths and diversity—personal, professional, and educational.” With that in mind, an ideal candidate has more than the correct clearance level and commiserate experience—they also possess leadership skills, a proclivity for innovation, a wiliness to work with others, an interest in personal and professional development, decisiveness, integrity, solid communication skills, and the ability to take responsibility, the department says.
But of course, your experience must also match the position for which you apply: For example, a foreign service medical provider requires a different degree and experience than a civil service human resources specialist, the email says. “What all potential candidates must demonstrate, however, is a commitment to public service and a desire to ensure that U.S. foreign policy and diplomacy serve the American people and advance U.S. interests around the world,” it explains.
Lastly, keep this in mind: All applicants for the foreign service division must be available for worldwide assignment and frequent transfers—and all positions require U.S. citizenship.
In-demand jobs with the department of state
Civil service employees work mostly in Washington, D.C., and this branch makes up more than half of the department’s U.S. direct-hire workforce, according to the email. In that branch, “there are opportunities for individuals in virtually every area of study and the department is actively attempting to fill hundreds of brand-new positions to meet its mission,” the email states, which adds that “now is the time to apply.” (You can see current job openings at the department’s site.)
In the foreign service division, employees spend about two-thirds of their careers overseas, and work in two career tracks: specialist and generalist. Specialist positions include those in human resources, administration, IT, engineering, financial management, medical, and law enforcement, while generalist can choose from political, economic, public affairs, management, and consular affairs careers prior to joining the department, according to the department’s email.
And while the department has an ongoing need for all its fields, the email states that “some of our most in-demand jobs today include IT, engineering, and medical personnel,” with a need for candidates who speak “Mandarin, Portuguese, Arabic, and Spanish to apply for the Consular Fellows Program.”
