Public Diplomacy Cone
Choosing the cone or career path is one of the first things that people who want to pursue a Foreign Service career are supposed to do. They can select from five possible cones, which are Economic, Political, Consular, Public Diplomacy and Management. Choosing jobs that can be categorized within an officer's cone is indispensable if you want a successful career in the Foreign Service.
It is believed that the future of Public Diplomacy officers lies in the US State Department and vice versa. It has been argued that there is a need for a new agency for the Department that may be called the Public Diplomacy Service. Studies by both governmental and nongovernmental organizations all agree that public diplomacy has turned into the weakest component of national security.
Unfortunately, it has been observed by many that the attitudes of the Foreign Service towards Public Diplomacy officers have not improved much after the absorption of the US Information Agency into the State Department. It has been a common observation that those in the Political cone ended up getting the highest positions in the Foreign Service and even those in the Economic cone had a chance of being appointed ambassadors if they are able to demonstrate a special knowledge about political issues. It was rare for those in the Consular and Management cones, and even rarer for those in the Public Diplomacy cones, to get appointed as ambassadors or deputy chief of missions.
The neglect of the Public Diplomacy cone is regrettable indeed because these officers are in charge of the campaign to let other countries know what the American people are trying to tell the world. They collaborate with the press, function as embassy spokesmen, try to fight anti-Americanism, and administer cultural exchanges. The job of the Public Diplomacy officers is made even more difficult in democracies because they not only have to convince the government officials of every democratic nation but the majority of their citizens.
As the entry level for this cone, Foreign Service Officers usually take on the role as assistant cultural affairs officers. They are often tasked with organizing the Fulbright exchange program and are in charge of music troupe and traditional dance exchanges. Meanwhile, Public Diplomacy officers are well-versed in technology are often asked to lead their Internet outreach programs.
Tenured officers belonging to the Public Diplomacy cone can choose from a broad range of jobs after tenure. Information officers can take on the task as embassy spokesmen while public affairs officers have the role of cooperating with the press. Public Diplomacy officers are often required for presence posts in huge cities where there is not other American presence. Some have also taken the role of speech writers.
In the Foreign Service Exam for the Public Diplomacy cone, the written examination focuses on interpersonal skills and the candidate's comprehension of democratic and diplomatic principles. The candidate will also need to get a high score in the oral examination because more and more people are choosing this cone.
More Resources and Websites
- State.gov
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