How does one become a diplomat?

Question

It always interested me as a possible career...

Answer 1

You have to know someone in power, the president picks diplomats and the senate agrees or disagrees with the pick

Answer 2

There are several ways to be a diplomat. Most diplomats work for the Department of State, and must pass the foreign service exam. You can read more about that at: careers.state.gov. Contrary to popular belief, you don't need to have a masters degree to pass the exam - you only need to  be a US Citizen older than 20 who finished high school. However, having a masters degree certainly helps.

Alternatively, other government agencies also send representatives abroad. Each department has different hiring processes, but two of the larger services include the Foreign Agriculture Service (Department of Agriculture) and the Foreign Commercial Service (Department of Commerce).

Answer 3

Civil Service careerists have to apply with the Foreign Service at the State Department. Unless things have changed, you have to pass an unbelievably difficult entrance exam.  It helps to start with a masters degree.