Foreign Service Officer

Education Requirements

Minimum Needed

Bachelor’s Degree in any subject.

Some Employers Prefer

Master's Degree in any subject.

Expert Advice

Proficiency in Arabic, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian or Spanish is valued in the recruiting process. In fact, working ability in any foreign language is valued and may increase career possibilities.

Career Pathway Advice

Before Graduation

• Gain Work Experiences. (e.g., Co-op Education, Internships, Work Integrated Learning).
• Be Curious. Ask questions about the work environment and day-to-day tasks of a job. This includes reaching out to professionals in the field, faculty, counsellors/advisors, neighbours and friends.
• Develop Power Skills. (e.g., oral and written communication, teamwork & leadership, problem solving, critical thinking, innovation & creativity, and engaging diversity).
• Know Your Transferable Skills. Understand how the skills you are learning in your program meet or transfer to the requirements of your intended job.
• Develop Digital Literacy. Be able to find, communicate, create, and edit files online (e.g., Word, Excel, Outlook, Adobe).
• Be Grade Point Average (GPA) Aware. This means knowing that future employers care about the GPA of students they plan to invest their resources in.
• Pursue Mentorship and Network Opportunities. (e.g., information interviews, developing relationships with someone working in the field, joining professional organizations, job shadowing, or volunteering).
• Prepare Your Job Search Documents. (e.g., LinkedIn profile, CV/Resume, cover letter, and portfolio).
• Practice your Interview Skills. Research common interview questions employers use, develop short stories you can use to demonstrate your skills and experience, and seek help from a career centre, family, or friends to do mock interviews.

After Graduation

• Show enthusiasm and drive for further formal training needed by your employer. This may take the form of a structured training program or courses that leads to an industry credential.
• Seek mentorship from co-workers and supervisors.
• Build network relationships with other industry professionals.
• Keep your jobs search documents updated.
• Build your brand by using social media, LinkedIn and professional membership or associations.

Spotlight Requirements

• Applicants for this position must hold a bachelor's degree in any subject, be a Canadian, have proficiency in English and French, pass the Public Service Entrance Exam , and if successful write three more exams (Situation Judgement Test, Graduate Recruitment Test and a written communication proficiency test).
• After being hired, Foreign Service Officers normally spend three years in Ottawa in the Foreign Service Development Program (FSDP). This program promotes Foreign Service and leadership abilities. It is made up of assignments, mentoring, on-the-job learning, and a formal training component. At the end of this program you must pass an assessment of competencies to be promoted to full working level.
• It’s important to know that hundreds of people write the Foreign Service exam each year and only a few are selected for interviews.

Expert Advice

• As a Foreign Service Officer (FSO) or diplomat you may be involved in representing Canadian interests in the political or trade front. You may also be involved in consular issues that deal with the interests and welfare of Canadian citizens in other countries.

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