Is working for the State Department a rewarding job?

Question

I'm interested in working for the State Department as a technical specialist. I've always found politics interesting, and I love traveling and experiencing other cultures. The one drawback I see is the moving every 2-4 years. I'm a military brat, and so am used to it, but that doesn't mean I like it. Do the pros of working for State Department outweigh the one major con I see?

Also, someone told me that employees of State Department always travel first class and such. That would be cool, but I don't need it. I was just wondering if there's any truth to the rumour, or is it an urban legend?

Answer 1

just what is a miltary brat

Answer 2

It could be

Answer 3

Foreign Service Officers get to travel business class if the total travel time is more than 14 hours.  Otherwise we fly in economy with everybody else unless we are willing to pay the difference personally.

You have to decide for yourself if the life style is something that you want.  It can be very difficult, especially for children if you have them.

The work itself is extremely rewarding, and the benefits can also be good - except remember that we tend to mostly work in places like Manama, Rangoon, Yaounde, and Lima rather than London and Paris.  It's not but about a tenth as glamourous as it looks.

Here is a link that will tell you a lot more:

http://www.state.gov/careers/