How can I persue a political career, such as a foreign consulate and what degree should I have?

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genofeatures	Major in international communications at American University in Washington, DC and learn to speak high demand languages such as Arabic, Mandarin, Japanese, Spanish, Hindi, or Farsi. Take the PHD graduate program in international relations and the BA and MA or MS program in international communications. Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

akim362	Although I'm not a professional diplomat, I will probably guess and say that being a part of diplomatic representation of any country to the United States is no small feat. You should probably have a concentration in political science, particularly the study of comparative political systems. Contact your foreign service to see what qualifications; they will have more specific details. Usually, you can request assignments as you gain further seniority. Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

StuckNiraq	STEPS TO BECOMING A FOREIGN SERVICE SPECIALIST: 1) Submit your application 2) Initial Review 3) Qualifications Evaluation Panel 4) Oral Assessment 5) Placement on a list 6) Foreign Languages 7) Medical Clearance 8) Background Investigation 9) Final Review 10) Register of Cleared Candidates 11) Candidates with Disabilities 12) Commitment to Foreign Service Work Good luck! alot of paperwork and beauracracy. Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

socalhillbilly	First I would talk to your school counselor, ask the pros and not the nation at large. Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

dea m	stick where u are are be on town council Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

chrisg3898	YES U CAN I WOULD PICK LAW AND JUSTICE LIKE BECOME A LAWYER, OR A JUDGE IF U WANT TO PURSUE THAT GO 2 HARVARD Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

Liz	International Relations or a foreign language Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

ChaChaChingThing	Hey! why are you asking a bunch of people online? If ur in school, talk to a career counselour and if not you should go to the library and aska librarian for help finding it in a book! Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

CyberCentralScrutinizer	I believe a degree in butt kissing would be appropriate. Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

?	Doesn't matter what you major in, the U.S. Foreign Service will accept you if you pass a written and oral examination. Check "foreign service state department" on a search engine and check out the requirements and the test administration dates. Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

joey322	start with a political science degree and get active in your school's government. also, try to involve yourself in local elections to get experience in politics. GOOD LUCK! Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

chris42050	A law degree. Almost all politicians are former lawyers. Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

nebkidomaha	It really depends on your interest. There are defense attaches, cultural attaches, agricultural attaches and diplomats to just mention a few. Most ambassadors are political appointees of the president, so unless you are his buddy or a major contributor to his campaign you are out of luck. As for education, the premier source for the US diplomatic service is Georgetown University in Washington. If you obtain a degree in international relations from there, it greatly increases your chances of employment. Another thing you can do is learn a foreign language. Try something less spoken if you want to increase your odds of employment. Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

funkiestever	I think apart from all technical qualification required for being a politician, you must have a talent to Lie with such a confidence that even the ones who are sure of the truth, must start to believe in for a while. I know its not some thing ethical but best polititians all around the globe are very good in doing so. Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

tigrisow	well, for one, take politics classes... another, take language courses...i'd take english/spanish (knowing both of them really well with help with learning the other languages)...i'd take german, italian, portuguese, french, russian, chinese and japanese...some or all of them, up to you...knowing many languages gives you respect...and a better paying job...a better pick and choose of a job... good luck... Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

greysmilyface	well, first of all, if you have any sense of morals and ethics, politics just isn't the job for you...... Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

position28	I think you would wana be a political science magor. My frends who are that take fun classes. They go on trips accrost America to be in pretend UN meetings. Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

kiezkahse	Political Science with a minor in whichever foreign language tickles your fancy. Remember that it's probably going to be far more a case of who you know than what you know. Also be certain to read up on Charles J. Guiteau. Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

?	Well first of a college degree is a minimum requirement. The major is up to you but be sure to at least do a minor in International Relations, it goes a long way toward helping you get your foot in the door of an area as restricted as the Foreign Service. I'd also strongly advise becoming multi- lingual that also makes you more attractive. It pays to have a major in something else because it makes you more flexible and means they would be able to put you in a variety of posts. Good luck!!!! Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

Rita	You got to take classes on political science to know more. Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

ausdude159	A degree in International Studies has led to several people I know of entering a career in politics and consular work. Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

sassy girl	I would advise you to take up International Studies (or International Relations). It will give you more exposure. You should also be fluent in at least 3 other languages aside from English. French, Nippongo (Japanese), Chinese, and German are the top choices for this. But you can learn other languages of your choice. Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

answerman288	I think a masters in BS and phd in blowing smoke up peoples rear end Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

mystery_girl	Do a major in Political science and a minor in History....when you are obtaining your Bachelors Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

philbertpheinstein	You'd need a degree in schmoozing and how to maximize fattening yourself from the public trough. Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

LADY KATYA Â®	political science, also a lot of over sea volunteer work, some of those are avaliable on the red cross site. As extras credit leanr different languages. Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

hcartman6666@sbcglobal.net	politics and crime go hand in hand PERSUE A CRIMINAL LAW DEGREE>ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU CAN BEST EXPLOIT YOUR OFFICE BY BEING A SMART CROOK AND AN ABLE DEFENSE ATTORNEY>>ALSO JOIN THE DRAMA CLUB >>GOOD LUCK Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

TheWiseOne	Unfortunately, ambassador positions in the United States are by Presidential appointment only. Therefore, you need high friends or a sparking reputation to get a full ambassadorship. However, there are other jobs involving foreign embassies. If you joined the State Department as a more minor diplomat, then you could join embassy staff. You would likely need a degree in international relations, economics, or something related to that. You would have to pass several fairly difficult exams, and then undergo training. Several schools to prepare you for civil service are the Woodrow Wilson School of International Affairs (Princeton), and Georgetown University as well. This is probably what you had in mind. The Marine Corps also has the "Ambassadors in Blue", who are some of the neatest and most precise servicemen in the US. If you join the Marines and you are a NCO (non comissioned officer), you could potentially wind up as an embassy guard, the face of the US military. The Central Intelligence Agency has intelligence officers in many large agencies, you would need to be part of the CIA Operations unit and also undergo difficult employment procedures. The FBI has an attace at most large embassies, who coordinates extraditions and FBI agendas with foreign governments. This is also an appointed position but shouldn't be hard to attain after some years in the Bureau (depending on what position you wanted) Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

♫♪♫ PINKY ♫♪♫	political science is a good major, look that up on the net...but at embassy's they have so many people who specialize in a wide range of things... communication, forgien language, etc..... Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

bonairetrip	Amerikan007 and nebkidomaha both have really solid advice on the foreign service. That said, I am not sure what you mean by a political career. If it is just the foregin serve, those two nailed it. BTW, a good solid background in english is also good -- the foregin service exam is darn hard and english was one of the focuses when I took it a million years ago. So, if it is foregin service: a) At least a BA in something like international affairs. A well rounded education is also important (history, economics, etc.). Better is a MA. b) Learn at least one (better two or three) other languages. Best are those that have a high demand for diplomats but a low supply of speakers. c) Live/study abroad. Get the culture and the language. OTOH, there are many other political/policy jobs. Congressional staffer (member or committee), attorney working for the prosecutor, local politician, etc. Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

amerikan007	First and foremost a college degree is a must. What you decided to major in should deal with something related to international relations, a foreign language, international economics, political science, etc. A bachelors degree is usually a requirement. Advanced degrees increase your chances or being hired and increase your pay grade level. Beyond the education of a university, I would say that international experience is also a must. This can include living in a another country or studying abroad. Try to enjoy another country as a native would, and not as a tourist. The U.S. Dept. of State's website is a great start to a possible career as a foreign service officer or whatever is your heart's desire. Check http://careers.state.gov/, it seems to be a very knowledgeable website on this matter. I believe it even has a step-by-step listing of "To Do's"... such as requirements, studying for the Foreign Service test, etc. Hope this helps and best of luck! Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No