Where national borders used to be clear, multinational challenges beckon us to work more widely. To understand the full spectrum of perspectives that we are dealing with on a daily basis, the United States is better equipped with a diplomatic and development corps that reflects the diversity of our nation and the world at large.

At the State Department, we are fortunate that our leadership and our staff reflect the extraordinary spectrum of perspectives and experiences of those in our immediate—and global—community. We are all Americans, yes; but we are all global citizens, too.

One of Secretary Clinton’s top priorities is ensuring the State Department has the resources necessary to carry out the mission of supporting and administering this nation’s foreign policy. Thanks to increased funding from the Congress, for 2009 we hired nearly 1,400 Foreign Service employees which is nearly triple our normal hires per year. We anticipate hiring a similar number in 2010.

Recruitment of Hispanics is a major goal for us; through our outreach, we are encouraging and preparing Hispanics and other minorities for Foreign Service careers. Our objective is to develop a Foreign Service that reflects our country’s rich diversity and meets America’s foreign policy challenges.
Such diversity goes hand in hand with awareness and knowledge of those around us. I like to call it “knowledge of the other.� It also means working and living with an openness to learn from our colleagues’ perspectives—looking through their lenses or walking in their shoes.

As professionals, and as global citizens of the 21st century, we must work hard to see the potential that lies within our differences—and the enormous power each of us has to bring about change, especially when we work together. I encourage you to explore careers with the Department of State. For more information go to www.state.gov/careers/
By Under Secretary of State Maria Otero