REFLECTIONS ON BECOMING A DIPLOMAT

The Class: Incidentally, the subject was on “International Relations and Diplomatic Practices,” which was both course related and career oriented at the same time. Since International Relations focused more on theories and concepts, the course provided an opportunity to discuss the application of these abstract ideas through diplomacy in actual situations. 

The Book:  FSO IV: Starting a Career in the Philippine Foreign Service written by Marciano de Borja published in 1999 is a good introductory book (and a required reading for the course) on what to expect in this profession.  FSO IV is short for Foreign Service Officer Class IV, the initial position of Filipino diplomats upon passing the Foreign Service Officers’ exam and entering the Department of Foreign Affairs. It is equivalent to the rank of third secretary if one is assigned to an embassy abroad or vice consul in the case of a consulate.

The Job: The book provides an insightful peek at the world of Philippine foreign service. It gave a balanced perspective on what diplomats actually do. Most people are fascinated with the glamour and perks of being a diplomat like travelling around the world, attending cocktail parties, and meeting high-profile people. But these are just a small part of a grueling and challenging profession. Diplomats do a lot of negotiations, write various diplomatic correspondences, participate in endless meetings, and protect the welfare of citizens overseas.

The Reality: The book ultimately presents this other side of the foreign service that most people are unaware of.  At its worst, this career can sometimes take a toll on one’s health (contracting stress-related illnesses), safety (facing dangerous situations abroad), and family (being separated from one’s spouse and children). The bottom line, according to the book, is that the foreign service is a lifelong vocation requiring serious contemplation, commitment, and dedication.

The Diplomat: Sig Masangkay, a bona fide FSO IV, validated some of the details in the book by sharing in class his work in the DFA. He particularly talked more about his journey in preparing and taking the infamous and much-dreaded foreign service officers’ (FSO) exam. Though he considers himself as just an ordinary student in college, he passed the FSO exam in just one take.  His personal account while undergoing the exam process is both enlightening and encouraging.

The Exam: His talk essentially proclaims that, contrary to popular notions, the FSO exam is not awfully difficult if one has really prepared for it, just like in any other exams. The various components of the test, which involves history, law, economics, culture, foreign language, and current affairs, make it a uniquely challenging intellectual exercise. There is therefore some semblance of truth to the notion that the DFA may be looking for a “walking encyclopedia” given the nature of the exam. That is why the speaker’s ultimate advice is to prepare, which involves hard work, determination, and a lot of reading.

The Students:  Reading the book and listening to the talk generated a lot of insights from the class about the realities behind a diplomat’s job and the challenges in the FSO exams. As part of their course requirements, these students’ wrote exceptional essays that revealed their personal reflections: 

Students at Miriam College taking up International Studies

On conquering doubts in deciding to become a diplomat by Donna Macaraeg:

“Although honestly the talk made me doubt if I should take the FSO exam since it was very hard on different levels, the speaker nonetheless convinced me that ‘nothing is hard just as long as you prepared for it.’ He taught me that sometimes you just got to swallow all those insecurities and be a man (or in my case a woman) about it.”

On improving one’s self to become a diplomat by Alleona Tagle:

“Choosing to become a diplomat involves developing one’s self. Being a diplomat means I have to improve myself and become more flexible and ready to face various challenges; become a good communicator since diplomacy is all about thoughtful speeches and well-crafted writings; and become more punctual because according to Secretary Roberto Romulo: ‘Diplomats should arrive at any meeting on time, regardless of traffic jams or any other alibis.”

On what it takes to become a diplomat by Sophia Garcia:

“I have learned the importance of having passion and taking risks. If one does not have the passion to become a diplomat despite the challenges, then he or she will not have the motivation to actually become one. Being a diplomat also entails taking risks and stepping out of one’s comfort zone since ‘taking a risk is your way to develop yourself.’ Sometimes we get used to doing the same things without realizing that we are suppressing ourselves from achieving our potentials as individuals.”

On the purpose of being a diplomat by Jill Fernandez:

“The purpose of being a diplomat is not about pride and status in society. It is about genuine service without the comforts of the home and the willingness to serve the Filipino people beyond national borders. To put it simply, the point and purpose of being a diplomat is service to the people and to the nation. It might be a very difficult endeavor, but surely, it will be worth the sacrifice.”

 On the process of becoming a diplomat by Mia Estipona:

“I realized something about the foreign service after reading the book and listening to the speaker. It is ultimately about the process. These diplomats are not who they are today because of their skills from the very beginning. But they are who they are today because they went through the process and they are still continuously being processed. One needs to learn, live, fail, learn again, and live again. It’s a process--- a process that can truly change a life for the better if one sees beyond its surface and understand the value and the true meaning of it.”

The Takeaway: This is indeed a good reality check and an encouraging push for those wanting to be part of the foreign service.  It is both an exciting and challenging profession. Deciding to become a diplomat involves a lot of thoughtful consideration, and finally becoming one requires a lifelong commitment to represent and serve the nation.  In the final analysis, the foreign service may be a prestigious career but it is ultimately not for the faint hearted.