Step-by-Step Guide: How to Become a Diplomat
Diplomats represent their country’s interests abroad, working in embassies, consulates, and international organizations. The path to diplomacy varies by country, but the following universal steps will help students worldwide understand how to pursue a diplomatic career.
Step 1: Obtain the Right Education
Most countries require a bachelor’s/master’s degree in a relevant field such as:
• International Relations
• Political Science
• Law
• Economics
• Languages
Some countries also prefer or require a master’s degree. In Europe, programs like the College of Europe or Sciences Po are highly regarded. Many future diplomats study abroad, as international experience is highly valued.
Step 2: Gain Relevant Experience
Diplomatic work requires real-world exposure to politics, international affairs, and negotiations. Ways to gain experience include:
• Internships at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) – Many countries offer internships to students interested in foreign service.
• NGOs & International Organizations – Work with global groups such as the United Nations, European Union, African Union, or ASEAN.
• Embassy & Consulate Work – Some countries allow students to intern or work as assistants in embassies.
• Model UN & Youth Programs – Participate in Model UN, youth summits, and international student programs.
• Language Proficiency – Many countries require at least two foreign languages. In France and Germany, diplomats must be fluent in multiple languages.
Step 3: Pass the Diplomatic Exam & Selection Process
Most countries have a competitive entry process that includes:
• Written Exams covering topics such as history, law, economics, international relations, and current affairs.
• Foreign Language Proficiency testing at least one foreign language.
• Psychological & Personality Tests in some countries to assess leadership and diplomatic skills.
• Interviews & Oral Examinations, which often include a panel interview or a foreign policy case study.
Examples of Diplomatic Exams Worldwide:
• France – Concours du Quai d’Orsay (French Foreign Ministry’s competitive exam).
• United Kingdom – Diplomatic Service Fast Stream (includes verbal, numerical, and situational judgment tests).
• Spain – Oposiciones para la Carrera Diplomática (competitive written and oral exams).
• Germany – Auswärtiges Amt Diplomatenlaufbahn (German Foreign Office exam with a focus on international law, policy, and languages).
It is important to check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website in your country for specific requirements.
Step 4: Start as a Junior Diplomat
Once you pass the exams, you will start in an entry-level diplomatic role. Common starting positions include:
• Third Secretary (entry-level rank in embassies)
• Consular Officer (processing visas and assisting citizens abroad)
• Policy Analyst (working in foreign policy departments)
• Attaché (junior diplomatic roles in embassies or ministries)
Most countries have training programs for new diplomats, lasting from a few months to a year.
Step 5: Gain Experience & Specialize
Diplomacy is a long-term career where professionals climb ranks over time. Typical career progression:
1. Third Secretary → Second Secretary → First Secretary
2. Counselor → Minister-Counselor
3. Ambassador → Permanent Representative to the UN or EU
Many diplomats specialize in areas such as trade, security, climate policy, or humanitarian affairs.
Final Tips for Aspiring Diplomats:
• Stay informed by following global news, policy updates, and international relations journals.
• Network by attending events, conferences, and engaging with professionals in international organizations.
• Be adaptable, as diplomats must handle stressful environments, cultural differences, and frequent relocations.
• Improve public speaking and negotiation skills, which are essential in diplomacy.
Becoming a diplomat is a competitive but rewarding journey. Start preparing early, gain relevant experience, and stay globally aware.
Join Our International Relations Careers Course
Want to build a career in international relations? Our International Relations Careers Course will guide you through the key steps to working in diplomacy, international organizations, and global policy.
•Learn how to navigate careers in embassies, NGOs, and international institutions
•Develop essential skills in negotiation, policy analysis, and global strategy
•Gain insights from professionals working in diplomacy and international affairs
Start preparing for your global career today.
Diplomats represent their country’s interests abroad, working in embassies, consulates, and international organizations. The path to diplomacy varies by country, but the following universal steps will help students worldwide understand how to pursue a diplomatic career.
Step 1: Obtain the Right Education
Most countries require a bachelor’s/master’s degree in a relevant field such as:
• International Relations
• Political Science
• Law
• Economics
• Languages
Some countries also prefer or require a master’s degree. In Europe, programs like the College of Europe or Sciences Po are highly regarded. Many future diplomats study abroad, as international experience is highly valued.
Step 2: Gain Relevant Experience
Diplomatic work requires real-world exposure to politics, international affairs, and negotiations. Ways to gain experience include:
• Internships at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) – Many countries offer internships to students interested in foreign service.
• NGOs & International Organizations – Work with global groups such as the United Nations, European Union, African Union, or ASEAN.
• Embassy & Consulate Work – Some countries allow students to intern or work as assistants in embassies.
• Model UN & Youth Programs – Participate in Model UN, youth summits, and international student programs.
• Language Proficiency – Many countries require at least two foreign languages. In France and Germany, diplomats must be fluent in multiple languages.
Step 3: Pass the Diplomatic Exam & Selection Process
Most countries have a competitive entry process that includes:
• Written Exams covering topics such as history, law, economics, international relations, and current affairs.
• Foreign Language Proficiency testing at least one foreign language.
• Psychological & Personality Tests in some countries to assess leadership and diplomatic skills.
• Interviews & Oral Examinations, which often include a panel interview or a foreign policy case study.
Examples of Diplomatic Exams Worldwide:
• France – Concours du Quai d’Orsay (French Foreign Ministry’s competitive exam).
• United Kingdom – Diplomatic Service Fast Stream (includes verbal, numerical, and situational judgment tests).
• Spain – Oposiciones para la Carrera Diplomática (competitive written and oral exams).
• Germany – Auswärtiges Amt Diplomatenlaufbahn (German Foreign Office exam with a focus on international law, policy, and languages).
It is important to check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website in your country for specific requirements.
Step 4: Start as a Junior Diplomat
Once you pass the exams, you will start in an entry-level diplomatic role. Common starting positions include:
• Third Secretary (entry-level rank in embassies)
• Consular Officer (processing visas and assisting citizens abroad)
• Policy Analyst (working in foreign policy departments)
• Attaché (junior diplomatic roles in embassies or ministries)
Most countries have training programs for new diplomats, lasting from a few months to a year.
Step 5: Gain Experience & Specialize
Diplomacy is a long-term career where professionals climb ranks over time. Typical career progression:
1. Third Secretary → Second Secretary → First Secretary
2. Counselor → Minister-Counselor
3. Ambassador → Permanent Representative to the UN or EU
Many diplomats specialize in areas such as trade, security, climate policy, or humanitarian affairs.
Final Tips for Aspiring Diplomats:
• Stay informed by following global news, policy updates, and international relations journals.
• Network by attending events, conferences, and engaging with professionals in international organizations.
• Be adaptable, as diplomats must handle stressful environments, cultural differences, and frequent relocations.
• Improve public speaking and negotiation skills, which are essential in diplomacy.
Becoming a diplomat is a competitive but rewarding journey. Start preparing early, gain relevant experience, and stay globally aware.
Join Our International Relations Careers Course
Want to build a career in international relations? Our International Relations Careers Course will guide you through the key steps to working in diplomacy, international organizations, and global policy.
•Learn how to navigate careers in embassies, NGOs, and international institutions
•Develop essential skills in negotiation, policy analysis, and global strategy
•Gain insights from professionals working in diplomacy and international affairs
Start preparing for your global career today.
