Careers Using Russian: U.S. Department of State (Foreign Service Officer)

Last week, I attended an information session about careers in diplomacy with the U.S. Department of State. Honestly, I wasn’t sure what the U.S. Department of State exactly did, but I thought I’d check it out to see if the information could be useful for those of us studying Russian. For me personally, when I left the information session I thought: THIS IS IT. This is, like, exactly the job that I’ve been searching for. So, I just wanted to relay some of the information in case it strikes anyone else!

The U.S. Department of State is responsible for “promoting peace stability in area of vital interest to America” both at home and abroad. It represents the U.S. at more than 270 diplomatic locations around the world. (Think- embassies, consulates, etc.).

To make this idea more concrete, the presenter at the information session gave us some examples concerning where states interests become an international issue. For example, Oregon’s salmon industry has to be carefully negotiated with Canada. It's the U.S. State Department that negotiates and enforces these treaties related to fisheries between Canada and Oregon. Another example concerns Hawaii. Hawaii is a leading exporter of papaya, but one year the crop was being devastated by an invasive disease. (Can't remember what it was exactly). The Department of State stepped in to bring in leading experts to save the papaya crop. They were able to create papaya that was resistant to the disease and avoid millions of dollars in loss for Hawaii's farmers. Also, they had to work with Japan, who imports Hawaiian papaya. Japan's laws require different kinds of labels for food that has been genetically modified. The Department of State worked to get the papaya labeled properly to meet Japan's laws in order to export the papaya.

Click the image to find out more about a career at the U.S. Department of State

These are just two examples, from the agricultural side of things, but it helps create a clearer picture (I think) of what it means to say “promote diplomacy and protect U.S. interests.”

Now of course agricultural issues are not the only thing the state department deals with. There are many other divisions that are concerned with business deals, economics, politics, engineering, medical, health, construction, facility management, etc. So there are tons of areas to chose from that may be more in line with your interests and skills.

Now where does the Russian come in? It is required of every employee that they know a second language. And of course, if you are an expert in (or on your way to be) Russian language and culture, you become a huge asset if you serve in those regions that require said skill. The U.S. Department of State will also pay you to learn more languages. As a “junior” service member, you may attend a school for a few months, but as a more senior member (about after 5 years) your sole job may be to learn another language for two whole years. (AWESOME.)

Some other things to consider- the U.S. Department of State requires that you change jobs and location every 2-4 years. (They will move your family with you btw). If you really love to travel and love being constantly challenged by something new then this is ideal. However, if you prefer to live permanently in one spot without changing jobs, then this is definitely not the ideal job for you. (Obviously). Their website has a short quiz to take to see if this type of work would be a good fit for you. (Take it here. )

For me personally, I love the idea of living abroad, changing locations every 2-4 years, and the fact that I could combine my nursing experience with my Russian language skills. Also, I am all for any job that pays me to learn another language. =)

For more information: U.S. State Department Website.