U3A8A1 KATIE RYCHLISKI DESTINATION PROFILE: FOREIGN SERVICE OFFICER

Job Description The foreign service is part of the federal government that corresponds with foreign countries to serve both Canadian and the foreign countries interests. Foreign Service Officers carry out these duties. They work both in Canada and in Canadian consulates in other countries. They carry out a wide variety of tasks, from replacing lost documents for Canadian citizens to negotiating business with other countries. Foreign Service officers work in one of four areas: international trade, political and economic affairs, management and consular affairs and immigration. Countries with Canadian Embassies

Working Conditions Most foreign service officers are employed by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (DFAIT). Foreign service immigration officers work for Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC). They are also part of the Professional Association of Foreign Service Officers. Foreign service officers work in office environments, in Canada and in consulates around the world. Their working conditions vary depending on the work they are doing. For example, a trade commissioner may have to travel locally to meet with foreign businesspeople, while a consular affairs officer might spend more time in the office, working on requests for passports. The travel involved could cause problems with an officer’s relationships with friends and family. Culture shock occurs when moving to another country and often when returning to Canada. Also, it would be difficult to maintain a consistent level of education for your children if you move to countries where the school systems are lower quality. Some officers may actually live abroad for more than two-thirds of their career. They work an average of 9 to 10 hours a day, 40 to 50 hours a week, though this can be extended in the case of a special event. A crisis in an officer’s region may increase his or her work hours. Weekend work is common. When officers are abroad they are a diplomat 24 hours of the day, and should be carful what they do in their personal lives.

Education

Skills Foreign service officers should be adventurous, service-oriented, and patient, and have excellent oral and written communication skills. Leadership and interpersonal skills are important as well. They should be interested in international relations and understand of international trade and economics. Versatility and adaptability are important, since they have to live in different countries and the deal with the strain that can put on family life. Travel experience, to deal with culture shock, and knowledge of other cultures and languages are important. They also have to be aware that certain illnesses unheard of in Canada, such as malaria, are widespread in other parts of the world. They need to be sure their immunizations are up to date and that their educated about the country their will be travelling to.

Related Careers Future of the Job Economist Humanitarian aid worker Public policy analyst The job demand will likely be stable with an increase of international trade and Canadians travelling abroad while electronic commerce will decrease the need for foreign workers. Technology could also make it easier to access and distribute information abroad. Future of the Job and Related Careers

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