Hi! So I’m currently a sophomore at Oklahoma State University! I double major in Political Science and Spanish, with a minor in Russian. My goal is to work for the state department as a foreign service officer, and in the meantime (while I’m applying, taking the test until I pass) work in some capacity with an organization like the CIA or FBI and utilize the language skills I’m building. I love political science and history, and I’m questioning whether I should be majoring in History instead. Its important to know a lot about the world if I want to be a diplomat, and I feel like History would provide more of that knowledge. However, I feel like my parents will be mad if I switch to history. They think its useless and I don’t want to rock the boat unless it would be truly more beneficial to me. Thoughts?
I think either can work. Poise and good communication skills are critical to passing the FS test. You can probably take some history classes as electives even if you stick with poli sci as a major. I don’t think you need to switch.
My daughter, who is a couple of years younger than you, has the same goal (only she is studying French and Chinese). I agree that either major would work. You could also check the State Department website, where they list some of their employment requirements.
BTW I believe Russian is considered one of the “critical” languages, so that is s really good one to know if this is the career path you are seeking. Best of luck.
A long time ago, I was told that the best way to prepare for the exam is to read the New York Times cover-to-cover everyday.
History probably would be the better major, but you should be okay as a political science major.
Have you considered taking language classes during the summer at Middlebury College (immersion program) ?
Take lots of Soviet/Russian history classes, colonial and postcolonial history, international relations, history of the Americas, Spain.
Practice formal dinners, attend all the foreign film club shows, join debate/rhetorics/Philosophy clubs, see if there’s a MUN team you could join.
If you can afford it, study overseas, preferably in Eastern Europe, if that is where your interests lie. There’s no better way to get to know an area of the world and learn the language than by living it.
Language is important – study the language of where you’d like to work and show that you have experiences abroad, as well as critical thinking skills.
Thank you so much for the advice guys 