Is the Foreign Service for me? Pros and cons of the profession

Essay

«Is the Foreign Service for me? Pros and cons of the profession»

It goes without saying that the profession of a diplomat is as respectful as it is complicated. The growing number of international organizations and complexity of the modern world demand from a diplomat a strong command of the language, history, politics and so on. So is kind of job really for me?

From one hand, this job has a lot of advantages. For example, a Foreign Service officers have an opportunity to represent their country, support the foreign policies abroad and pursue the goals and interests of their motherland. Moreover, the work of a diplomat includes great pleasure of frequent travel and enriching cultural and social experience of living abroad.

But from the other hand, Foreign Service officers have to face many troubles during their work. For instance, diplomats spend 60% of their careers abroad, which can create challenges to family life and raising children. More than that, some of the personnel may be sent to distant countries with harsh climates, health hazards and no social amenities, which can be a threat for diplomats.

Summing up, I could say that, although being a Foreign Service officer is a fascinating work, it is not my cup of tea, because it would be too much on my plate. Maintaining warm relationships between nations is something that requires extraordinary skills and motivation, which do not currently possess.

In conclusion I would like to say that choosing this career demands an unusual dedication to your country and public service, so you have to understand its pros and cons, risks and challenges and choose wisely. Anyway, so many men, so many minds...