What are the requirements for working for the US Embassy?

Question

I would like to work for the US Embassy in Mexico, but I don't know what would be required of me. I would like to work in Guadalajara.

Answer 1

Well, it doesn't sound like you're looking for a career in the Foreign Service as a diplomat -- it sounds as if you want to work only in the Embassy in Mexico City or the Consulate in Guadalajara.  If this is the case, your chances of doing so are small; your only slightly realistic option, in my humble opinion, is to try and get hired as a local employee (assuming your Spanish is at a professional level).  Local employee salaries are not as good as U.S. ones (exception: in places like Europe or Japan, they can be paid more than the officers!), but they tend to be far better than average jobs on the local economy.

Good luck.

Answer 2

To be  a FSO its quite a long process, as far as testing goes, but not really any specific requirements. I recently returned from a 3 week trip to China with an Academic group studying International Relations and Diplomacy. While I was there I actually went to the US Embassy in Beijing and met three Foreign Service Officers (one economic, one cultural, and one public affairs). I also met the Minister of Foreign Affairs as well as a Foreign Service Officer working at the Consulate in Shanghai.

When you test/interview and are accepted, you spend your first year learning the language of the region you will be working; then you are assigned your first duty station. You may have to move every 3-5 years, and there are hardship assignments which can include Iraq or Tibet, for example which are required. Also, until you have a lot of seniority, you will likely not get assigned in a cushy place! That is the kind of crappy part.

So, if you are only looking to work in Mexico, that probably isn't feasible...

http://careers.state.gov/officer/index.h...