Major Service

What is a good major for someone who wants to be a Foreign Service Officer(diplomat)?

I want to become a foreign service officer. It seems soooo interesting. However, I'm not sure what a good major is(i'm a freshmen in college). I know that international relations is a good major; however, I was wondering if political science or history would be just as good or better?

Would a previous career as a flight attendant help my chances?

I'm the Australian equivalent of a FSO and if you looked at my resume you would wonder how I ever got in.

Don't worry about your major. Study something you are interested in (and which can help you get another career if you change your mind later).

Personal attributes are important, especially written and oral communication skills. Much of the language used in diplomacy is more nuanced than you would ever hear. A good diplomat can articulate a government's policy with language measured for their audience.

One tip: Get into the habit of writing drafts and proofing anything you write. Essays, love letters, excuses for speeding fines etc - make your language accurate, brief and clear. Make yourself sound crisp and authorative, not pompous or meandering.

Follow my advice, and since no student these days writes drafts any more, you will have a headstart...