The U.S. Department of State is looking for a few good UNM students to represent the department in overseas diplomatic missions.
Richele Keller, UNM's diplomat in residence for the state department, said they are looking for students from different career fields who are interested in working closely with foreign governments to consider applying for a foreign service officer position.
"We are looking for a diverse pool of people to work at 280 U.S. Embassies in 160 different countries," Keller said.
Foreign service officers can be sent anywhere in the world, at any time, to serve the United States, Keller said. They can be assigned to customer service positions, work in public affairs, work closely with environmental agencies and be asked to fulfill administration and management positions.
Keller said the position requires applicants to take a written test that evaluates their English usage, American culture and history knowledge, knowledge of American politics and their previous job experience. She said they also are required to complete an essay portion of the exam. The last day to register for the exam is March 11, and the test is on April 13. The entire application process can take eight to 10 months to be completed.
"Applicants are not required to be graduate students nor have a degree. We hire at all levels of experience," Keller said.
Get content from The Daily Lobo delivered to your inbox
She said that those who pass the written portion of the exam are then asked to take an oral assessment and get medical clearance. A background investigation of the applicants will also be completed.
It is not mandatory that those interested are fluent in a second language, but it is helpful. Keller said the state department provides training in working with people who speak a different language.
Last year, 4,000 of the 14,000 people who applied successfully completed the written exam and are currently being interviewed for the positions.
Keller said a strong presence overseas is urgently needed to get resources to foreign countries. She said after Sept. 11, more people are becoming interested in the Department of State and want to be part of the U.S. presence in foreign countries. At last count, more than 11,000 people were registered to take the test, she said.
"We have noticed that people are curious to know what foreign affairs is and what the Department of State is doing to keep diplomacy ongoing in regions of the world that are less commonly identified," Keller said.
She said 700 current vacant positions in the state department are waiting to be filled. The vacancies are primarily due to the downsizing of the federal government in the '90s and individuals who are seeking retirement.
"I am encouraged that with the diversity of UNM students those interested can make an impact in foreign affairs and U.S. diplomacy," she said. "It is a very exciting position and the experience that you will gain will be overwhelming."
For more information about the test or the positions, visit the Department of State Web site at www.careers.state.gov.
