Kimberly Magee
[Kimberly works for the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs, Office of Multilateral Trade]
"WHAT are you going to do with an English degree?" I grew tired of hearing that because people clearly weren't aware of the possibilities. That said, I had no idea my degree and cumulative life experience would enable me to work as a diplomat for the Department of State. I don't and never will have much money in my pocket but my life is rich with excitement and adventure. Generally a diplomat changes job positions and countries every two to three years and receives language training prior to beginning a new assignment. Here are some highlights after just 18 months:
- Dropping out of a helicopter in to the jungle to blow up a coca lab Meeting
- Working and hosting parties w/foreign presidents and emissaries
- Travel, travel, travel
- Representing the US at public speaking events (charity benefits, rallies, classrooms)
- Participating in meetings to form/change US foreign policy
- Assisting the evacuation effort of US citizens abroad during great social upheaval
- Connecting foreign entrepreneurs with world market access in which to sell their goods
- Responding to political asylum seekers and other entry requests to the US
It's really fun. It's really crazy. It's rarely about the cocktail parties. So just throw out the misconception that diplomats are a bunch of stodgy upper crust Ivy Leaguers. Diplomats really do come from all corners of America and have degrees and work experience from every field imaginable. I trained with a rock concert planner, a cruise ship purser, a detective, lawyers, an architect, facility managers, peace core volunteers, etc. On whole we're more likely to play a pick-up game of soccer with locals than retreat to a manicured polo club.
The thing I enjoy most about my job is how often my decisions impact others. I won't fool anyone by proposing the idea that a lone diplomat can change the entire world; I'm a realist after all. And the scope of one's efforts generally corresponds to rank and time spent in the Foreign Service. Other factors influence a diplomat's sway such as the Executive Branch policies, available resources, and political backing. But a lone diplomat does regularly make small differences and at times, very large ones too. If you enjoy adventure, flow well with change, and wish to shape and represent the image of the US abroad, this is certainly a job to consider.