Definition of Occupation

Conducts relations with foreign governments and international organizations. Pursues U.S. foreign policy objectives. Protects and assists U.S. citizens abroad. Disseminates information about the United States. Serves at diplomatic/consular posts abroad, and at the Department of State in Washington, DC, or foreign service office in New York. Specialties may be administrative, political, economic, information, public diplomacy, cultural/public affairs.

NOTE: entry and career paths for commercial officers with the foreign commercial service of the Department of Commerce (DOC), agricultural officers with the foreign agricultural service of the Department of Agriculture (DOA), foreign service development officers and professional specialists of the Agency for International Development (AID) differ substantially; most enter in mid-career.