Embassies

Officers working in embassies, carry out foreign policy and help in maintaining diplomatic relations. Their work involves administrative management, consular services, political and economic reporting and analysis, and public diplomacy.

All across the globe, Indian nationals are considered as an appropriate choice for these jobs, because of their educational background and command over English language. However, Indians interested in working with an embassy need to take up Foreign Service Exams held every year. The contents of the exam differ according to the respective country. The exam is held in cities throughout various nations, as well as their Consulates and Embassies abroad.

Career Opportunities
In an embassy, the following departments offer numerous job options :

Political Section
The Political Section handles all political matters, including high-level visits, political consultations, and briefings on issues of mutual interest.

Economic Section
The Economic Section follows developments in the country's trade and economic policy, and promotes its interests in these areas.

Defense
The Defense Counselor is responsible for reporting on defense policy issues involving the country, including armaments cooperation, export control, major procurement programs, defense related research, and technology developments.

Energy
This department informs other authorities and organizations about the country's energy policy and developments in the energy sector.

Finance
The Counselor for Economic and Financial Affairs reports on macro and microeconomics, financial markets, economic policy, and economic research. The Counselor also responds to inquiries about the their own nation's economy.

Science
The staff for Science reports on research and research policies, and works to enhance cooperative research and development between their own and other countries.

Shipping and Civil Aviation
The Counselor for Shipping and Civil Aviation reports on maritime and aviation policy and legislative activity.

Press and Cultural Section
The Press and Cultural section promotes a wide range of cultural events including concerts, exhibitions, lectures, festivals, and films, and works in close cooperation with other nations.

Administrative and Consular Services Section
These consulates, staffed by mainly career diplomats, supervise Consuls around the country. The section also has administrative responsibilities pertaining to Embassy personnel and buildings.

Trade
This department promotes nationwide industrial development profitable to both the business economy and national economy, and helps release the potential of different districts and regions by contributing towards innovation, internationalization and promotion.

The Employers look for :
Employers prefer candidates having a strong knowledge of history, government, political systems, cultures, world geography, international affairs, and political and social issues across the world. Basic accounting, statistics, management, interpersonal communication, and knowledge of basic economic principles and trends are also important skills.

On an average, someone with a graduate degree can anticipate a starting salary around $30,000, and the pay structure is similar to that in other government organizations. Senior embassy officials can make over $100,000 per year.