U.S. Department of State FAQ

Pros

Free housing, 6 weeks holiday (home leave) + your normal PTO, extra holidays for living abroad, paid vacations (R&R ), bonuses for family size, pension, high 401k contribution.

Cons

Bureaucracy, bad management, weak leadership at the A/S and up level, lack of overall institutional objectives, sidelined by the NSC and other internationally oriented agencies

Advice to Management

The State Department is only as powerful as the administration empowers it to be.

Pros

Great benefits package, travel abroad

Cons

Few people of color, limited diversity

Pros

You're a diplomat. Get paid to travel the world. Contribute to something you believe in. You can make the career work for your family if you forgo a focus on being Amb., and instead retire at 50 with a pension and great travel stories.

Cons

Too many people drink the kool-aid without considering if that actually make a contribution. Writing, rewriting, and passing along a speaking point does not mean you made peace in the middle east. People (lots of men) like to work past 7 to show their dedication. Managing your time or portfolio well is not as respected as 12 hours on duty or being friends with the DAS.

Pros

good benefits, good work life balance

Cons

disorganized, slow upward mobility, boring work

Pros

Great benefits, training, and travel.

Cons

Bureaucracy and the "good 'ol boy" system