What does FSO mean in INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS

Foreign Service Officers work to promote the interests of the United States abroad by working with local and foreign government officials, diplomats, and private citizens on a variety of issues. They also help to provide administrative support for embassy activities and manage visa processing services at embassies and consulates worldwide.

Foreign Service Officers are posted at U.S. embassies in countries all over the world, as well as in Washington D.C., and may take on assignments anywhere from six months to four years, depending on their position.

To become a Foreign Service Officer one must pass an several exams including an Oral Assessment which tests one's diplomatic abilities; a Structured Interview which focuses on one's decision-making skills; and a Writing Test which evaluates their writing abilities. In addition, candidates must have strong knowledge of public affairs, management experience, excellent written and verbal communication skills, and cultural sensitivity.

All prospective FSO must first attend an intensive three-week introductory orientation once accepted into the U.S. Department of State's A-100 course before they can join as full-fledged officers. Further training opportunities include language courses that focus on developing fluency in a second language relevant to their job such as French or Mandarin Chinese

Salaries start at just over K per year but increase based on seniority level and the country where one is assigned to work with some posts offering housing allowances for eligible employees.