About the U.S. Foreign Service

As the lead U.S. foreign affairs agency, the Department of State helps to shape a freer, more secure, and more prosperous world through formulating, representing, and implementing the President's foreign policy. The U.S. maintains diplomatic relations with about 180 countries and also maintains relations with many international organizations, adding up to a total of more than 265 posts around the world.  The Foreign Service and the Civil Service in the Department of State and U.S. missions abroad represent the American people. They work together to achieve the goals and to implement the initiatives of American foreign policy.

The expected run of show of activities for this diversity career networking event will likely be as follows:

• ALL GUESTS must check-in at the Confirmed RSVP pre-registration table.
• After check-in, guests will have access to U.S. Department of State collateral materials, and beverages and light refreshments.
• U.S. Department of State representatives will continuously circulate in areas inside and outside the meeting room to greet and welcome guests, including mingling, interacting and having dialogue with individuals and small groups.
• The formal program will start with a brief welcome by the Lead U.S. Department of State representative, who will also preside over the formal Panel and Q&A inside the meeting room.  The formal program will start after a sufficient number of guests have arrived and checked-in (typically within 15 to 20 minutes after the listed event start time).

–     Each U.S. Department of State panelist (typically 4 to 7 in total) will likely share general information about his or her specific experiences and assignments, roles and responsibilities, highlights and successes, challenges, tips, recommendations and suggestions, etc. 

–     Each U.S. Department of State panelist will also likely discuss various career opportunities available within their specific departments or the agency in general, including general qualifications and requirements, how to apply, etc.

–     At the discretion of the moderator or presenter, a panelist could decide to answer a pressing question at the end of her or his individual presentation.  However, floor microphones will likely be located throughout the meeting room for the Q&A phase that will take place at the end of all presentations.

Yes, you can, and it is strictly up to you.  However, there are no guarantees that your resume will be accepted, because there are specific application processes for different opportunities.

Come to the event with a positive attitude, professionalism, appropriate attire, and proper grooming and appearance. 

There are no specific preparation requirements for this event other than having an interest in learning more about career opportunities with the U.S. Department of State. 

It would be beneficial to visit the U.S. Department of State careers site - http://careers.state.gov to learn more about the agency and specific career tracks so that you can demonstrate your knowledge and awareness, and ask informed, pertinent, and relevant questions.

Is this event similar to a typical career fair?  Will I walk away with an offer on the spot?

This will be a unique event in your area, where representatives of the U.S. Department of State will travel to your area to host this interactive networking, informational, educational and awareness event for persons interested in pursuing career opportunities with the U.S. Department of State.