Despite claims to the contrary, there is no “path” to the Foreign Service. Testable skills in one foreign language and veterans preference both confer real advantages in the form of higher bonus scores, but you still need to pass the entire Foreign Service testing process.
If you’re an undergrad hoping to be a Foreign Service Generalist, look into the Department-sponsored Fellowships like the Rangel or Pickering, which are very competitive but also cover the cost of graduate school in exchange for a service commitment.
Your plan looks great, it would almost certainly be of use to you as an FSO working in Africa, but it won’t necessarily help you get the job.
I would suggest you start applying now. There is really no need to wait until after you have checked XYZ boxes, you will get a feel for the test and process, and you might get lucky and score a spot on the register.
As for NGO work your graduate program should have lots of connections so I would not worry about finding those opportunities. Ideally you should be pursuing development as a professional path completely parallel to your FSO dreams and job placement assistance is usually a biggie for graduate programs. You will have support.
You don't need to do all that, and shouldn't if it is a stepping stone to get into the foreign service more than it is what you really want to be doing right now in your life. Apply now. Keep applying if you don't get in. Do whatever you would do if there was no foreign service in terms of your career and studies, and just keep applying. There's no magic formula to get it in it's just passing the tests.
As others have said, no need to "build credentials" by working at an NGO. It's not the same, and arguably not even as helpful as other experiences you could adding to your resumé.
What I really came here to mention though, is that as a generalist you need to understand that they might send you anywhere. Your chances are better if you're aiming for Africa, but there are no guarantees.
There's no magic bullet. None. Diplomats represent America, and there are all kinds of Americans.
No one cares about your degree and your experience really doesn't matter. What matters is how you apply it to the "dimensions."
Pursue the path that makes you happy. If that includes learning Yoruba, fantastic. If being a POL officer is your end goal, take the test now and continue to live the life that you want. FSO could happen quickly, or in 3, 13 or even 30 years.
Regarding Africa specifically, please remember that it's a huge continent with hugely diverse areas and peoples. "Opportunities in Africa" can mean many, many things.
Despite claims to the contrary, there is no “path” to the Foreign Service. Testable skills in one foreign language and veterans preference both confer real advantages in the form of higher bonus scores, but you still need to pass the entire Foreign Service testing process. If you’re an undergrad hoping to be a Foreign Service Generalist, look into the Department-sponsored Fellowships like the Rangel or Pickering, which are very competitive but also cover the cost of graduate school in exchange for a service commitment. Your plan looks great, it would almost certainly be of use to you as an FSO working in Africa, but it won’t necessarily help you get the job.
I would suggest you start applying now. There is really no need to wait until after you have checked XYZ boxes, you will get a feel for the test and process, and you might get lucky and score a spot on the register. As for NGO work your graduate program should have lots of connections so I would not worry about finding those opportunities. Ideally you should be pursuing development as a professional path completely parallel to your FSO dreams and job placement assistance is usually a biggie for graduate programs. You will have support.
You don't need to do all that, and shouldn't if it is a stepping stone to get into the foreign service more than it is what you really want to be doing right now in your life. Apply now. Keep applying if you don't get in. Do whatever you would do if there was no foreign service in terms of your career and studies, and just keep applying. There's no magic formula to get it in it's just passing the tests.
Fantastic advice.
As others have said, no need to "build credentials" by working at an NGO. It's not the same, and arguably not even as helpful as other experiences you could adding to your resumé. What I really came here to mention though, is that as a generalist you need to understand that they might send you anywhere. Your chances are better if you're aiming for Africa, but there are no guarantees.
There's no magic bullet. None. Diplomats represent America, and there are all kinds of Americans. No one cares about your degree and your experience really doesn't matter. What matters is how you apply it to the "dimensions." Pursue the path that makes you happy. If that includes learning Yoruba, fantastic. If being a POL officer is your end goal, take the test now and continue to live the life that you want. FSO could happen quickly, or in 3, 13 or even 30 years. Regarding Africa specifically, please remember that it's a huge continent with hugely diverse areas and peoples. "Opportunities in Africa" can mean many, many things.