Maybe the Next US President should have Foreign Service Experience

Maybe the next president of the United States should have a background as a foreign service officer. This kind of leader would be skilled in effective communication, negotiation, and relationship-building, knowledgeable about current events, and adaptable to different cultures, customs, languages, and policies.

The U.S. Department of State, along with the USAID, is the lead U.S. foreign affairs agency. It works to advance the interests of the American people, their safety, and economic prosperity. The Department has diplomats serving in more than 270 locations abroad and throughout the United States. These Foreign Service personnel practice diplomacy to advance America’s interests, solve global challenges, build alliances, counter adversaries, promote peace, and find new national opportunities. Foreign Service Officers (FSOs) make a global impact daily by addressing intellectually challenging issues, being creative, and continually learning. Their work has a tangible impact on people around the world.

Becoming a US foreign service officer is a challenging process. Statistics show that 60% of applicants with an undergrad, graduate, juris doctorate, or other doctorate-level degree do not pass the Foreign Service Officer test (FSOT). The FSOT covers various topics such as the US government, the US Constitution, US history, society, customs and culture, world history, and geography. The second step is the foreign service officer assessment (FSOA), which consists of a case management exercise, group exercise, and structured interview. After this is the final review – a medical review, obtaining top-secret security clearance following a background investigation, and receiving a positive evaluation from a suitability review panel. The selection process also considers language skills, ability reviews, and veteran preferences. Finally, there are orientation classes before being shipped overseas to start your foreign service career.

Foreign Service Officers’ roles are diverse and far-reaching. They provide consular services, build economic and political relations, and handle various diplomatic tasks.

Consular Officers deliver services to American citizens and manage visa adjudication for foreign nationals. They handle visas, adoptions, evacuations, fraud combat, and fight human trafficking.

Economic Officers focus on maintaining positive economic and trade relations, building relationships with key economic figures, and influencing economic and trade policies.

Management Officers oversee embassy operations, dealing with real estate, personnel, and budgets.

Political Officers interpret host country politics, advise on international issues, and report on local events.

Public Diplomacy Officers promote U.S. interests abroad through media and exchange programs to strengthen relationships and improve foreign insight into American society.

Senior-level FSOs can advance to become ambassadors, deputy chiefs of mission, or Principal Officers at large consulates or hold positions such as Management Counselors or office directors in Washington, D.C., with responsibilities for directing resources, managing logistics, or coordinating recruitment and training of foreign service personnel.

Responsibilities may include:

Manage a large consular section, supervise several American officers and local staff members, and be part of the embassy’s senior management.
Serve as an office director or part of the senior staff within the Consular Affairs Bureau in Washington, which advises on all consular matters.
Engage in various public outreach functions, such as speaking to the press or American organizations.
Monitor, analyze, and report on key issues; present demarches to the host government; explain U.S. positions to other diplomats; and gather information.
Serve at the U.S. mission to an international organization representing U.S. interests, coordinate responses to particular issues and work with the organization’s staff.
Gather information for Washington delegations to high-level or technical meetings.
Responsible for developing and implementing U.S. policy on bilateral and multilateral economic and trade issues, including debt relief, free trade, international finance, and development assistance.
If posted in Washington, D.C., you will likely travel as the USG negotiator of bilateral or multilateral treaties on issues such as aviation, the environment, or investment. You will have opportunities to be an office director, supervising many officers.
Manage a large economic or political-economic section, advising the Ambassador on various economic issues.
Make demarches (political steps or initiatives) to the host government and meet with host government officials at the Ministries of Finance, Trade, Economy, Communications, Transportation, Environment, and Labor, as well as the Central Bank, Civil Aviation Authority, or Chamber of Commerce.
Develop and manage multi-million-dollar budgets, lease and maintain government-owned and short-term leased residences and office buildings, and provide the logistical platform to support dozens of high-level visits.
Negotiate with host government authorities over diplomatic privileges and immunities, applications of tax reciprocity laws, and family member employment.

The above description emphasizes that Foreign Service Officers (FSOs) actively developing the necessary skills, attributes, and experiences are well-positioned to be strong candidates for the position of President of the United States of America. An effective President should possess a range of essential qualities and capabilities. They must be fair, represent and work for all US citizens, and respect other nations’ independence and cultures. They must exhibit sound decision-making abilities, especially in high-pressure situations, and be known for their trustworthiness. Furthermore, a President should be able to empower others and display resilience in the face of challenges. Communication and negotiation skills are vital. Additionally, the President should demonstrate diplomatic dexterity, political astuteness, the courage of their convictions, self-awareness, and exceptional judgment, all of which are crucial for outstanding leadership.