How long does an ambassador serve

The answer lies in a mix of legal requirements, a cumbersome government bureaucracy and, not surprisingly, politics. The White House usually starts the process by compiling two lists, several former ambassadors said.

The other list is of countries to which the White House wants to send non-career ambassadors. Courville was among the few foreign policy experts to become a political ambassador. A retired civil servant and former university professor, she was the senior director for African affairs at the National Security Council when she was offered the post at the African Union in Email field is required to subscribe.

If red flags are found, the name can be withdrawn. Even if the White House produces a list of potential nominees quickly, the formal vetting can take months, Courville said. Candidates must disclose financial holdings and liabilities, work and travel history, as well as provide the names of friends and colleagues to be interviewed. If a nominee owns a large company, it takes even longer to figure out what to do with those assets, Courville added.

Career nominees have usually undergone such investigations long before they are nominated. First, the State Department has to wait for the White House to decide which countries will be available to professional diplomats. Then senior Foreign Service officers make their interest in particular positions known, and the ensuing competition can take months. Additionally, there are a number of internships offered by the U.

Department of State for individuals interested in following a diplomatic career, including:. Graduate students may also have access to additional opportunities through their college or university. The IRC also allows students to work collaboratively to develop the skills necessary to succeed on the global stage, such as public speaking, research, negotiation, delegation, and foreign language skills.

Northeastern students can also opt into the International Field Study Experience IFSE , an experiential learning program that gives students the opportunity to serve as international consultants for global organizations. Students who participate in this program will also have the opportunity to:. Government, helping to develop, create, and implement foreign policy. Working as an FSO is also a perfect opportunity to gain diplomatic experience and begin working up the ranks towards an ambassadorship.

As with most U. For example, Foreign Service Officers must:. The U. Department of State provides several details about foreign service officers online. Potential career paths include working as consular officers, political officers, economic officers, public diplomacy officers, and management officers. The exam covers relevant topics FSOs are likely to experience on a daily basis in their role, and tests candidates on their situational judgment abilities.

English proficiency is also graded, as candidates must write an essay to complete the exam. Department of State has provided several resources for proper test preparation, which can help candidates adequately prepare.

Lohr stresses the need for aspiring ambassadors to network while developing a diverse set of diplomatic skills:. Most importantly, find yourself a good mentor—or mentors for different fields of experience—beyond learning the ropes of the trade as a junior diplomat.

As the highest-ranking representative of the United States in a foreign country, ambassadors must be equipped to handle unique situations and scenarios that can have a global impact.

Pursuing a graduate education specifically designed for those interested in diplomatic work is an excellent way to develop the skills and expertise that will be required in such a position, and can help you begin to gain the valuable experience you need to land a role in this exciting field. Are you considering a career as an ambassador or diplomat? Learn more about how earning an MS in Global Studies and International Relations at Northeastern University can help kickstart your career, or download our guide to advancing your international relations career below.

Stay up to date on our latest posts and university events. Plus receive relevant career tips and grad school advice. Once the future ambassador has been designated by the Council of Ministers, he has to obtain the approval of the country to which he will be going.

It is only then that the appointment can be announced and published. Once he has arrived at his posting, he is received by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and subsequently by the Head of State, to whom he gives a letter from the President of the Republic which is notice of his appointment: this letter is known as the "credentials" always in the plural. He is then accredited and enjoys the immunities and privileges guaranteed under international law which are designed to protect the ambassador from any pressure from the authorities of the host country.

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