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Ambassadors


Overview

Ambassadors

Introduction

Ambassadors manage the operations of the U.S. embassies in foreign countries. An embassy is the headquarters of a U.S. diplomatic mission established in the capital city of a foreign country. According to the U.S. Department of State, the United States has more than 270 embassies, consulates, and diplomatic missions across the globe, and has an embassy in most foreign capitals. Each embassy is headed by only one ambassador. Charged with the responsibility of maintaining diplomatic relations, an ambassador represents the president in...

Quick Facts


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Median Salary

$61,827

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Employment Prospects

Fair

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Minimum Education Level

Bachelor's Degree


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Experience

Previous experience in politics, business, or the Foreign Service
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Skills

Foreign Language
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Personality Traits

Curious
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Earnings

Salaries for Foreign Service officers with a bachelor's degree and no professional experience may start at $55,272, according to the State Department. Those with more professional experience and/or a master's or law degree earn between $61,827 and $80,670. Senior Foreign Service officers earn between $127,914 and $192,300. FSOs receive health benefits, life insurance, and retirement benefits th...

Work Environment

Ambassadors are highly respected. They may have the opportunity to live in comfortable quarters in glamorous cities; or they may be living in a struggling nation, wracked by poverty and political unrest. Regardless of the area of the world, ambassadors have the chance to learn about a culture from the inside. Working alongside a nation's government officials, they are exposed to the art, food, ...

Outlook

Since the end of the Cold War, the number of responsibilities of ambassadors and Foreign Service officers has increased; war, drug trade, nuclear smuggling, and terrorism are some of the issues confronting embassies today. Those people interested in protecting diplomacy and the strength of the Foreign Service need to closely follow relevant legislation, as well as promote the importance of inte...