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How to become a Diplomat

Diplomat jobs

Diplomat courses

Career progression and salary expectations for a Diplomat

Administrative Officer

| Up to £20,000

Fast Stream entrant

| Up to £25,000

Diplomatic Services Operational Officer

| Up to £50,000

The role of a Diplomat

What does a Diplomat do?

Diplomacy: The art of letting someone else get your own way…Foreign Office Diplomats are appointed members of state, who help protect and promote a nation’s interests abroad.Working as part of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), the majority of Diplomats are posted to work overseas, and can often be found with a nation’s embassies abroad, playing an incredibly important role in maintaining their international relations.Typical responsibilities for a Diplomat may include:

Reporting information which may affect national interests
Responding to diplomatic requests and responding on behalf of their home government
Implementing foreign policy changes
Updating travel advice and information
Overseeing embassy staff and managing their performance
Dealing with members of the public, and answering any questions they may have

Is a career as a Diplomat right for me?

Aside from diplomacy (see: the name), a passion for foreign affairs and a love of travel are absolutely vital attributes for anyone looking to become a Diplomat.However, it is a common misconception that fluency in other languages are considered pre-requisites. You may be working away from your home country and home comforts for a period of three of four years, but although having prior knowledge of a language may help, it is by no means essential.Other key skills for a Diplomat include:

Excellent negotiation skills
Interpersonal and communication skills
Initiative
Flexibility
An analytical approach to your work
Did we mention diplomacy?

What's it like to be a Diplomat?

"I became a Diplomat through the Civil Service Fast Stream programme, which is essentially the main entry point into the FCO. That was about three years’ ago. I've worked predominantly in Europe, although I could be posted anywhere around the world as part of my role, which is one of the things I love most. It’s not all champagne and Ferrero Rocher though. The hours can be long, and the work can be stressful. But getting to represent and protect our national interests, not to mention rub shoulders with some of the planet’s most powerful people? You can’t beat it."

Get qualified as a Diplomat

You will need a degree in order to become a Diplomat. However, this can generally be in any discipline, although you will need to be a British citizen, and pass a series of exams to qualify to represent the UK as a Diplomat.

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