Uncle Sam does want you. That’s what Vlad Sambaiew,diplomat in residence, told students and faculty last week.
Sambaiew was talking about working for the U.S. Department ofState. He said recent college grads are among the most commonapplicants to the department. Only recent military retirees andpeople looking for a new career path outnumbered them inapplications.
Sambaiew told students faculty and staff about overseasopportunities and internships affiliated with the U.S. Departmentof State Thursday.
It’s not as easy as just turning in an application.
Applicants must first pass a foreign service test, whichincludes a written exam covering world history since 1945 and anunderstanding of the U.S. government. They also expect exemplaryEnglish skills.
“About 3,000 people pass the foreign service test from apool of over 20,000 annually,” Sambaiew said.
Sambaiew compared it to the college board exams.
“It is basically like a lengthier version of the SAT orACT,” he said.
Proof of U.S. citizenship is mandatory. Though the test is notuntil April 24, registration must be completed a by March24.
Those who pass the written test take an oral exam, which takesplace in a handful of U.S. cities such as Washington, D.C. andHouston. The oral portion is given in late September.
Only about 500 of 3,000 applicants pass. It focuses on thecandidate’s ability to speak fluently and influentially.
People who pass both exams are usually offered a job after theyhave completed medical and background checks.
These overseas jobs are numerous and diverse, differing inplacement and expectations of the job.
“The new diplomat is generally sent to one country forabout two years, then to another for two more years, and then toWashington, D.C., for the final step of training before settling ina country on a more permanent basis,” Sambaiew said.
This permanent placement, Sambaiew said, depends on variablesranging from foreign languages spoken to the need for diplomats inthat country at a given time.
“One of the most promising qualities of thesediplomats,” he continued, “is the willingness to beflexible and move from country to country prettyfrequently.”
The Department of State offers international relationsopportunities in five different areas: political stream (directrelations between the U.S. and others), economic relations, publicaffairs, consular work and management.
“The entry pay for these jobs is fairly good from agovernment perspective, beginning between $40,000 and $60,000 peryear,” Sambaiew said.
Other benefits, he explained, include free overseas housing,extra money to aide with the cost of living and educationaladvantages for the diplomats’ children, such as providingfinancial assistance for higher forms of schooling.
The Department of State also offers a number of studentinternship opportunities for which the foreign service test is notrequired.
Fall, spring and summer sessions are all available and open toany U.S. citizen who is able to provide proof of enrollment in auniversity.
Visit www.careers.state/gov for more information on registrationand employment.
