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How to become a diplomat
Promote the interests of the UK and support its citizens around the world by becoming a diplomat with the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
What is a diplomat?
Diplomats generally begin their careers with two to three years in a FCDO role based in the UK, followed by postings to consulates or embassies in other countries of around three years.
Depending on your entry route, you might work as; a consular officer helping UK nationals abroad, in immigration work, or a more specialised role e.g. Commercial Officer, Trade and Investment Officer or Political Officer.
What qualifications do you need to be a diplomat?
There are several routes into the diplomatic service, most of which require a degree or equivalent level education.
The administrative officer entry scheme offers opportunities for junior roles within the diplomatic service, but most diplomats enter through the Diplomatic Service Fast Stream scheme or the Government Economic Service Fast Stream. A small number of graduates are also accepted through a work experience based apprentice scheme.
- Undergraduate degrees – degrees in any subject can lead to opportunities to become a diplomat, but a minimum of a 2:2 in a degree such as international relations, foreign policy, political science, sociology or cultural anthropology will give you an advantage.
- Postgraduate studies – MAs are available in subjects such as international relations, global diplomacy and security studies, all of which would be of benefit to new entrants into the diplomatic service or key to career progression within the service
- Fast Stream – there are a number of schemes within the Civil Service Fast Stream portfolio, of which the Diplomatic and Development Fast Stream (2 years) and the Economic Service Fast Stream (3 years) schemes are most relevant for entry into diplomat roles.
What does a diplomat do?
Diplomatic Services Officers carry out a variety of roles focused on protecting and promoting the interests of the UK and supporting British citizens abroad. You’ll be involved in the practical side of diplomatic work, but you might also have an opportunity to influence and develop UK foreign policy.
As a diplomat you’ll be responsible for maintaining and building positive relationships with the countries in which you are based. Below are some of the most common roles with the diplomatic service.
- Consular Officer – your main focus will be to help British citizens who need advice or help while abroad, for example to help a British citizen who has lost their passport return home to the UK or to ensure that a British citizen who has been arrested abroad is treated fairly and in line with international agreements and local laws. Consular officers may also be involved in processing Visa applications from foreign nationals wanting to visit the UK.
- Economic Officer – you’ll work with foreign governments to negotiate agreements and resolve issues around areas such as trade, economic policy, commerce, energy and the environment. You’ll also work with international organisations to, for example, resolve market challenges, promote UK interests, promote equality and improve security. You may also work to make recommendations on the use of the UK’s international aid budget.
- Political Officer – you’ll negotiate with foreign governments on matters of mutual interest and provide ambassadors and other FCDO representatives with updates on political activity. You’ll track political developments in your assigned country, gather information, identify threats to UK interests and write reports.
- Public Diplomacy Officer – this is an opportunity to work directly with the public in your host country to build a mutual understanding of culture, politics and economics. You’ll need language skills and you’ll be an expert in cross-cultural communications. You’ll help the public in your host country to understand how the UK’s history, traditions and values shape UK policy to help the local communities better understand the potential positive impact of better relationships with the UK.
Becoming a diplomat could be for you if…
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Culture is key
You’ll need to be able to adjust your approach and behaviours quickly and seamlessly depending on external factors in your host country.
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You say all the right things
Your ability to communicate at all levels will be key to a successful career as a diplomat. You’ll need language skills as well as written and verbal communication skills.
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You’re a people person
You’ll need to cultivate relationships with a diverse group of people, including diplomats from your host country, businessmen, politicians and members of the public.
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You’re a problem solver
Diplomacy is often about solving problems, in a way that offers solutions that are acceptable to multiple parties who initially might seem irrevocably opposed.
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You keep a level head
Remaining calm under pressure and having the ability to negotiate under difficult circumstances is key to a successful diplomatic career.
What are the typical working hours for a diplomat?
Usually 9am - 5pm, or equivalent normal office hours in your assigned country. However, some work may involve unsociable hours, or require being on-call 24 hours a day.
Graduate entrants and Fast Stream participants will initially earn £28,000, with this typically rising to around £45,000 within 5 years – or as high as £55,000 for those on the Economic Fast Stream scheme.
Benefits may include hardship allowances for posts where living conditions are considered difficult, education allowances for children, travel expenses and rent-free accommodation.
