Careers in Political Science, Foreign Service Officer

I have decided to start a blog series about jobs in political science (and international relations specifically) to help out those looking for future opportunities. One option is to work for the State Department as a Foreign Service Officer. Dept of State is hiring now and will be for the foreseeable future. To be competitive, you should have language aptitude and also have some experience aboard (intern, Peace Corps, military).

“So, in the last several months — with a new president on the horizon and new funding from Congress — both the State Department and Usaid, are ramping back up. A supplemental war funding bill has provided money for Foreign Service hiring. And President-elect Barack Obama “has talked explicitly about the need to increase the Foreign Service and we hope he will make that a priority,” said John Naland. The State Department has asked for funding for 1,500 new positions for the current fiscal year.”

UIC maintains an Office of International Affairs (OIA) with a career Foreign Service Officer stationed on campus. Consult him at if you wish to setup a meeting to find out about more opportunities.