Do you have to be outgoing to be a Foreign Service Officer?

Question

I'm looking in to being one because I love traveling, I love learning new languages and cultures, and it sounds really interesting. I was leaning towards either going into the economic side of the public diplomacy side.

I was wondering if you have to be one of those smooth talking charmers in order to succeed in the occupation. I don't know how to put it other than that, but what I mean is a personality that is common in the business world where you can talk you're way in and out of everything. I'm assuming that would be good to have in almost every occupation but I want to know if you have to have that personality to succeed.

I'm more of a laid back and reserved person and hope I would still be able to pursue and prosper in the field. I don't like being fake or phony and I'm more of a "just get the work done and cut the c**p" type of personality. Does anyone have any personal experience in this field that could help?

Answer 1

I'll be testing for that in a couple of years and that's a really valid point. I think no matter what your personality is, it is all about knowing your stuff. Read up and study, study study! Check the FS website. It's pretty easy to find and access. There are all sorts of helpful links. There is one that is a helpful reading list and you might consider tackling that if you have not already.

Best of luck!

Answer 2

A lot of your advancement and success depends on your "corridor reputation." That's what people say about you out in the corridor.  If you're one of those easy-to-like, schmoozing kind of people, that'll be a plus.

Competence also counts, and there are a number of solemn-yet-capable geeks at Main State. The Foreign Service has lots of good reasons to play; one of the downsides is the "better-than-thou" attitude amongst these people.  It's your choice.

Answer 3

i gotta put in my 2 cents on this one. i work at an embassy now however I'm US military, not State.. half of the state people Ive worked with for the past 3yrs are good people. you dont have to be a smooth talking charmer. you have to be able to kiss *** to move up for sure. the other half are regulation quoting, by the book, I'm better than you types.. all work and zero play. i couldn't handle working for people like this for more than 3 years. drive me up the wall.

on the plus side - travel is good, quality of living is good and you see some cool stuff.. just be ready to work  long hours on paperwork when you first start out..