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Dare to be

How to Become an Ambassador: “Outlive. Outlast. Outplay.”

One of the questions I frequently get, is, “How did you become an ambassador?” Or, more directly, “How can I become an ambassador?” The answer is part science, part mystery, part art, and a whole lot of luck. But one thing is certain: if you have a passion for representing your country, like I do, it’s a journey worth taking.

Let’s talk about the science first. It’s a straightforward linear equation: graduate from university, apply for the foreign service exam, score in the 90th percentile, ace the interview, accept the offer as a level 1 Foreign Service (FS) Officer, and then climb your way to the top through a variety of “exotic” countries and sometimes less exotic Headquarters’ jobs until you reach the executive cadre (aka Utopia). This is the typical formula used by many countries to recruit for the foreign service, and a path taken by the majority of my ambassador colleagues.

Now, here’s the artistic version.  My journey wasn’t conventional. Despite attending a university with one of the most prestigious international affairs schools in the country, I didn’t study political science—mostly because I thought it was science (embarrassingly true fact). Instead, I pursued psychology, which, ironically, is often considered the opposite of science. I have a master’s degree in criminal psychology, and my initial dream was to work in “the big house,” not on the world stage. While friends embarked on foreign service exams, I assumed I wasn’t qualified and took a detour through the prison system.

The truth is any degree will do. They’re primarily assessing your intelligence and rigour. While many FS officers come from political science backgrounds, there are also lawyers, engineers, and history majors among them. Generally, any undergraduate degree suffices, but as competition increases, having a master’s degree sets you apart.

And yes, a criminal psychology degree proves invaluable when navigating the intricate corridors of headquarters. Rising to the ranks of an ambassador can be akin to inhabiting Survivor Island, adding new meaning to “Outwit. Outlast. Outplay.”

More importantly, a background in psychology forms the basis for understanding human behavior. Navigating the complex intercultural relationships you encounter as an ambassador defines your success. Whether negotiating for a prisoner’s release, leading a team through a global pandemic, or lobbying for a United Nations Security Council vote, understanding the human condition is paramount to success.

My journey to ambassadorship was far from conventional. It was fraught with obstacles and challenges, and I can’t wait to tell you more because these were valuable learning moments that will prove that, despite what “they’ say, “if you can see it, you can be it”.

Whether your ambition is to be a real ambassador or to pursue your own version of that dream, join me on this adventure, and hopefully, it will inspire you on how to become your best ambassador.

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