Big World5 Nov 2025

So, You Want to Be a Diplomat?

In this new episode, School of International Service professor and former US Ambassador to Mongolia Piper Campbell joins Big World to share reflections on her 30-year career in diplomacy and provide practical advice for aspiring foreign service officers.

Campbell, the chair of the Department of Foreign Policy & Global Security, begins our conversation by explaining why she chose to pursue a career in diplomacy (2:01) and discusses the multiple stages of her career (3:49). Campbell also describes the various pathways available within the State Department to engage in diplomacy (8:11) and shares advice for how future diplomats can prepare for the variety of situations they are likely to encounter in their career (10:24).

What are the different “cones” within the State Department, and what do they mean for a diplomat’s career path (14:53)? Why does it remain important for students to continue studying diplomacy amid recent changes in the federal hiring landscape (19:42)? Campbell answers these questions and shares her biggest piece of advice for aspiring foreign service officers (26:17).

Career Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

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